Strome has been fine this year, and he'll be a year older and playing on smaller ice next year. I think he'll be in Arizona though given his size and the Coyotes' recent success with young players. Stephens has been good this year, I can't imagine why he wouldn't be back and very valuable next year.
I agree. Stephens' play has been impressive. With his size, speed and aggressiveness he projects better at the pro level than many of the his higher profiled Team Canada teammates. If I'm coaching, I'd have Stephens on the ice every time the top Finnish line is on. When he's on the ice, you have to be aware of where he is. That slight hesitation, makes a world of difference. You saw that intimidation factor in the second period of the Swedish game, when the flow of play went in Canada's favour once the hitting started. Controlled aggression, works against any team. All you have to do is remember those successful Canadian teams that started every game with an onslaught of heavy checks in all areas of the ice. The current team Canada is not a particularly large team. But if it is to have any success, it will have to punch above its weight. Controlled aggression. It will be infectious. It's hard to play hockey when you know you're going to be hit. And hit often.
