Stromer's Strides: How he finally made it to this milestone moment

Last night, Dylan Strome hit his 100th career assist. Unfortunately, that stat did not ultimately help the Hawks, and they lost to the Lightning 5-2 (complete with EN by our Bagel). But the loss shouldn't diminish what the 25 year old has accomplished, especially considering how he was basically all but traded at the start of the season. It wasn't lost on anyone how much Jeremy Colliton did not trust Dylan Strome. He was a healthy scratch for the first four regular season games. At the time, Colliton said «he's got to practice hard, prepare to play,» in an article by Ben Pope of the CST. But to everyone around him, that's all anyone saw him doing.

Clearly whatever plans the former head coach had weren't working, through not fault of Strome's. So when Derek King came in, it seemed like the perfect opportunity for Dylan to shine. And yet, he struggled. Was it residual lack of confidence from being benched so often? Being told he wasn't ready so many times that he believed it? I think sometimes people forget just how human hockey players are. They need support just as much as «tough love». And eventually, that support came through Derek King.There's this wonderful interview Dylan just did with beloved Chicago broadcaster Pat Foley about how the Interim Head Coach helped him turn his game around, how he found it in himself to step up and be better, not only for his teammates, but himself, as well.

In his last 10 games, he's had 7 assists and 4 goals. It is now more familiar to see him on the ice, than on the bench. He got his second hat trick earlier this month AND an assist in the same game! We passed the trade deadline and Dylan Strome is still a Hawk. I think working with Derek King is good for him. I think being on a line with Kane and the Cat is good for him. I think being in Chicago is good for him and would love to see many more milestones hit in a Hawks sweater.