The Jack-in-the-Box: How Dylan Strome Found His Place in Washington

Written by Emily Vasseur, LCPC

In our first blog post, we explored how the Washington Capitals have created an environment where players like Pierre-Luc Dubois and Logan Thompson can find a home and thrive. We examined how the team’s culture, combined with principles of sports psychology — belonging, confidence, and identity — helps players perform at their best both on and off the ice. Next, we turn our attention to Dylan Strome, who we will explore as the Jack-in-the-Box of the Capitals’ roster. His journey shows how the right environment can unlock untapped potential and turn early uncertainty into breakout performance.

The Jack-in-the-Box in the Island of Misfit Toys was perfectly functional. Despite this, everyone in Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964) considered him either useless, broken, or a misfit. He wanted to be something different, a dentist, which the other toys believed was impossible or silly. The story demonstrates that he is not a broken toy, but rather needed a place where he was valued, accepted, and encouraged to be the best he could be. This aligns with Dylan Strome’s career. He was often misjudged early in his NHL journey, but in Washington, he has finally found a place where he can thrive, given the right environment and role.

Dylan Strome was born on March 7, 1997, in Ontario. He played major junior hockey in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) for the Erie Otters, where he played alongside Connor McDavid. Drafted 3rd overall in 2015 by the Arizona Coyotes, he made his NHL debut in 2016-17, playing seven games. Over the next several seasons with both Arizona and Chicago, Strome struggled with consistency and fitting into team systems, with media describing him as a “bust” or “struggling to find traction” (NHLPA, 2019). His move to Chicago in 2018 marked a turning point; production increased, but his path to consistent performance remained uneven. As Strome reflects, “Just less than a year later, I was traded to Chicago, and it’s amazing how a change of scenery can change everything… all those feelings of being a bust just went away. I was just me again” (Strome, 2025).

Enter Washington. At the time of his signing, many were unsure if Strome would live up to expectations. One columnist admitted, “At this time last season I was not sold on the Washington Capitals signing Dylan Strome… I was not that convinced Strome was even that good of a player” (Stars and Sticks, 2023). Yet a year later, opinions shifted: “Well, how time can change things… Strome’s new, much bigger contract could actually be one heck of a contract for the Washington Capitals” (Stars and Sticks, 2023). This evolution reflects more than just points and goals; it illustrates a key concept from sports psychology: when athletes feel supported, included, and trusted, their confidence and performance can surge (Carron & Eys, 2012). In Washington, Strome finally found an environment where he is trusted, valued, and encouraged to play confidently, unlocking both his performance and his sense of self. As he reflects, “I’m so thankful to be here in Washington, to be a part of the Capitals family… I don’t take any of this for granted” (Strome, 2025).

Since joining the Capitals, Strome’s confidence has translated directly to his on-ice performance. With a clear role as a first-line center and the support of his teammates and coaching staff, he has increased his scoring output and playmaking impact, demonstrating how a positive environment fosters measurable success. Sports psychology research shows that when athletes feel included, trusted, and valued, their motivation and focus improve, often leading to stronger performance outcomes (Carron & Eys, 2012). Strome’s growth illustrates this principle: the right combination of team culture, leadership, and personal support allows players to reach their full potential, turning early doubts into tangible achievements.

The Jack-in-the-Box in Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer wasn’t defective; he simply wanted to be something different than what the world expected of him. Similarly, Dylan Strome faced enormous expectations growing up — playing alongside Connor McDavid and being drafted 3rd overall — and didn’t always fit the mold the hockey world had set. In Washington, he finally found an environment where he is trusted, valued, and encouraged to play confidently, unlocking both his performance and his sense of self. His journey highlights the Capitals’ culture of belonging, patience, and support, showing how the right environment can turn early uncertainty into growth and success.

This story of redemption and confidence is just one example from the Capitals’ “Island of Misfit Toys.” In future articles, we’ll explore how other players, as well as Coach Carberry and the team’s leadership, cultivate this culture, helping athletes of all backgrounds find their place and perform at their best.

References

Carron, A. V., & Eys, M. A. (2012). Group dynamics in sport (4th ed.). Fitness Information Technology.

NHLPA. (2019, March 19). Out of the desert: Strome excelling with Blackhawks following trade from Coyotes. NHLPA. https://www.nhlpa.com/news/2-11952/strome-excelling-with-blackhawks-following-trade-from-coyotes?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Stars and Sticks. (2023, September 14). Dylan Strome’s contract could be a steal for the Capitals. StarsAndSticks.com. https://starsandsticks.com/2023/09/14/dylan-stomes-contract-could-be-a-steal-for-the-capitals/

Strome, D. (2025, April 22). For Washington. The Players’ Tribune.https://www.theplayerstribune.com/dylan-strome-nhl-hockey-washington-capitals