The New York Rangers and forward Ryan Strome appear far apart in contract negotiations.
The Rangers have filed for $3.6 million in arbitration, while Strome is asking for $5.7 million, reports Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman.
Strome's arbitration hearing is set for Thursday. The two sides can come to an agreement before then.
The 27-year-old enjoyed a career year last season, tallying 18 goals and 59 points in 70 games. He primarily centered a line with Hart Trophy finalist Artemi Panarin.
In over 700 minutes at five-on-five with Panarin last season, Strome posted an expected goals for percentage of 56.8%, according to Natural Stat Trick. In 247 minutes without Panarin, that percentage plummeted to 45.2%.
Strome, the fifth overall pick in 2011, enjoyed a breakout 50-point campaign in his sophomore season with the New York Islanders in 2014-15. But in between that campaign and the 2019-20 season, he averaged 32 points.
The Rangers have $10.9 million in projected cap space, according to CapFriendly. In addition to Strome, Brendan Lemieux is also a restricted free agent.
