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BRAMPTON, Ontario — Dylan Strome knows he has a chance to be a part of NHL history as early as sometime this season.

The forward had an assist on the 801st goal Alex Ovechkin scored in his NHL career, a goal that tied him with Gordie Howe for second on the NHL goals list on Dec. 23, 2022.

Now with Ovechkin only 41 away from tying Wayne Gretzky’s NHL record 894 goals, Strome admitted he has let himself wonder about what it would be like to assist on the goal that Ovechkin could score to tie or surpass Gretzky.

Strome confirmed to NHL.com on Wednesday at Hockey Night In Brampton that he had indeed considered it. This third annual charity hockey game, which featured former and current NHL players, raised nearly $14 million for the William Osler Health System to construct a second hospital in the city. Strome said, “I believe everyone has considered it. Everyone recalls McSorley’s assist to Gretzky for his 802nd goal, overtaking Howe. It’s a significant part of hockey history, and Ovechkin often discusses it. I was lucky enough to assist on Ovechkin’s goal that equaled Gordie Howe’s record, but if he ends up breaking the record, not many will remember my assist. However, it would be incredibly exciting to be part of such a moment.”

Strome believes that Ovechkin can achieve the milestone this season, despite the seemingly significant gap of 41 goals to close in one season.

“Without a doubt,” Strome expressed, “He’s had far more seasons with over 40 goals than those without them. People wrote him off after 40 games last year, but he really surged in the second half. So, I’m expecting the second half ‘Ovi’ from last year. We’re all anticipating it, and we’ll be prepared. Naturally, I’ll be aiming to pass to him.”

Strome isn’t the only one who believes the record is attainable.

“Does he have the potential to score 42 goals this year? Absolutely,” Capitals coach Spencer Carbery said to NHL.com’s Tom Gulitti on Monday. “I definitely believe in his capabilities,” he affirmed.

Strome’s point is supported by the fact that Ovechkin has achieved a score of 40 or more goals in 13 out of his 19 seasons in the NHL. Despite a slow start last season with only eight goals in the initial 43 games, he ended the season strongly. He scored 23 goals in the last 36 games, which, if extended over 82 games, would have resulted in a 52-goal pace.

“His skills are astounding,” commented Strome. “You should never underestimate someone like him. In my opinion, he holds one of the best, if not the very best, shots in the NHL. There are a few players with commendable shots, but he’s definitely in the top five. I witness his prowess every day. Whenever a player can shoot that well, it becomes the responsibility of his teammates to ensure he gets the puck, and that’s exactly what we’re striving to do.”

Last season, Ovechkin ended with 31 goals, marking the 18th instance in his 19 seasons where he scored 30 or more goals. Strome contributed with 14 assists.

Strome stated, “His humility is profound, especially when you consider his career achievements. He’s always appreciative of his teammates. I’ve observed over the past few years that even when he sets a record or scores his 50th or 800th goal, he always prioritizes thanking and crediting others. Naturally, he has the all-time record on his mind. He might end up being the greatest goal-scorer in NHL history, and we’re there supporting him, hoping it happens this year.”

Ovechkin’s powerful finish contributed to the Capitals’ 18-13-5 record in their last 36 games, unexpectedly securing them a spot in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. On February 9, they were lagging in seventh place in the Metropolitan Division, trailing the New York Islanders by five points for the second wild card entry into the playoffs from the Eastern Conference.

“Last year, many people certainly didn’t expect us to succeed,” admitted Strome. “For those younger players who seldom made the playoffs, it served as validation that our efforts during the regular season were worthwhile. I’ve participated in nearly 500 NHL games and apart from the bubble in 2020, where we were the 12th seed, I had never made it to the playoffs. I don’t really consider that experience as a true playoff run. The fact that we made it this time proves our strategy is effective and we just need to maintain our momentum.”

Despite being swept in four games by the New York Rangers in the Eastern Conference First Round, the Capitals have made significant improvements to the team during the offseason. They have added forwards Pierre-Luc Dubois, Andrew Mangiapane, Taylor Raddysh, and Brandon Duhaime, along with defensemen Jakob Chychrun and Matt Roy, and goalie Logan Thompson.

Strome expressed his eagerness to start the season, citing the Capitals’ strong finish and active offseason as the reason.

“Making the playoffs was the most enjoyable hockey experience I’ve had in quite a while,” said Strome. “Regardless of whether I play as a first or second-line center, my main goal is to contribute to the team’s success. Last year was great fun and I’m eager to return and strive to repeat the experience.”

Having seven new team members is quite significant, especially for a team that reached the playoffs. Although the season didn’t conclude as we had hoped, and only one team can be truly satisfied at the end, we have a strong foundation to build upon and we’re enthusiastic about our future prospects.