To say Ryan Strome has come to terms with being traded to the Edmonton Oilers would appear to be an understatement.
The former New York Islanders forward certainly didn't try to contain his enthusiasm when asked about the move, which saw winger Jordan Eberle heading the other way.
"Super excited, honestly, I was at a loss for words," Strome said Thursday, according to Robert Tychkowski of the Edmonton Sun. "Other than the emotional aspect of missing some teammates, I couldn't be more excited for the opportunity. Obviously there are a lot of great things going on Edmonton. ... I feel like I have a jump in my step coming here."
Related: Strome-Eberle swap is a win-win for Oilers, Islanders
Strome, who found out about the trade while en route to Chicago for the entry draft, especially took notice of the Oilers during this year's playoffs.
"I remember sitting in my basement watching the playoffs and I was like, holy, these guys are good players," he said. "Connor (McDavid) and Leon (Draisaitl), the way they distribute the puck and the way they can skate, their skill is just exceptional.
"Obviously there's a lot of opportunity there. I'm going to come in and do my best and add to what's going on there because there are a lot of good things."
Strome was selected fifth overall by the Islanders in 2011. His most productive season came back in 2014-15, when he registered 17 goals and 33 assists in 81 games, all career highs.
The Oilers shed Eberle's salary in the move with a view to signing McDavid and Draisaitl to long-term extensions, and in the hopes that Strome's best years are ahead of him.
Strome is attending the draft because his youngest brother, Matthew, is set to be selected. His other younger brother, Dylan, was one of McDavid's Erie Otters teammates in the OHL.
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