The Chicago Blackhawks re-signed restricted free-agent center Dylan Strome to a two-year contract with an average annual value of $3 million, the team announced Sunday.

Strome is expected to serve as the Blackhawks' top center to begin the season, with Kirby Dach expected to miss the entire campaign with a fractured wrist and Jonathan Toews out indefinitely with an illness.

"We believe Dylan is ready to take the next step in his career and build off the strides he has made in his first two years in Chicago," said Blackhawks president of hockey operations and general manager Stan Bowman. "He has great offensive instincts and brings creativity and skill to our team. We are thrilled he is now signed and able to join us tomorrow for the start of training camp."

The 23-year-old's career has taken off ever since the Arizona Coyotes traded him to Chicago in November 2018, along with Brendan Perlini, in exchange for Nick Schmaltz. Strome has tallied 29 goals and 60 assists in 116 career games with the Blackhawks.

Strome was selected third overall by the Coyotes at the 2015 draft.

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