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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.

“I’ve definitely given it some thought,” Strome confessed to NHL.com during Wednesday’s Hockey Night In Brampton. This third annual charity hockey event, featuring both former and current NHL players, raised nearly $14 million for the William Osler Health System to help construct a second hospital in the city. “I believe everyone has thought about it. The pass from (Marty) McSorley to Gretzky for the 802nd goal, which saw him surpass Howe, is a momentous part of hockey history that everyone remembers. (Ovechkin) often discusses it, it’s ingrained in hockey folklore. I was credited with an assist for (Ovechkin’s) goal that tied Gordie Howe’s record, but not many people will recall that if he breaks the record. However, being part of such a historic moment would be truly amazing.”

Strome is confident that Ovechkin can reach the milestone of 41 goals this season, despite it seeming like a significant gap to close in one season.

“Absolutely, I believe so,” Strome stated. “He has recorded far more seasons with 40 or more goals than he hasn’t. Despite being written off after 40 games last year, he really came into his own in the second half. So, I anticipate seeing more of the second-half ‘Ovi’ we witnessed last year. We’re all anticipating it, and we’re prepared. Naturally, I’ll be looking to assist him.”

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

“Does he have the potential to net 42 goals this year? Absolutely,” Coach Spencer Carbery of the Capitals affirmed to NHL.com’s Tom Gulitti on Monday. “I strongly believe he’s capable of achieving that.”

Strome highlighted that Ovechkin has managed to score 40 or more goals in 13 out of his 19 NHL seasons. Despite a slow start to the last season, with only eight goals in the initial 43 games, Ovechkin finished the season strongly. He scored 23 goals in the last 36 games, which, if extrapolated over 82 games, would amount to a 52-goal pace.

“Indeed, it was remarkable,” commented Strome. “You should never underestimate a player of such caliber. His shot is undoubtedly one of the best, if not the absolute best, in the entire NHL. There are a few others who possess excellent shots, but in my view, he ranks within the top five. I witness his skill daily. Whenever a player can shoot like that, it’s the responsibility of his teammates to ensure he gets the puck, and that’s precisely what we’re striving to do.”

Last season, Ovechkin scored 31 goals, marking the 18th time in his 19-season career that he has netted 30 or more goals. Strome contributed with 14 assists.

“Strome perceives him as extremely humble, acknowledging his accomplishments as a result of his teammates’ efforts. Over the past few years, Strome has noticed that even when he scores a record-setting goal, such as his 50th or 800th, he always prioritizes acknowledging others. He definitely has the all-time record in mind and considering his potential to be the NHL’s greatest goal-scorer, we’re all rooting for him, hopefully achieving it this year,” Strome stated.

Ovechkin’s solid performance contributed to the Capitals’ 18-13-5 record in their last 36 games, earning them an unexpected spot in the Stanley Cup Playoff. They were seventh in the Metropolitan Division and five points behind the New York Islanders for the second wild card into the playoffs from the Eastern Conference as late as Feb. 9.

“Many dismissed our chances last year,” remarked Strome. “For the less-experienced players who hadn’t often reached the playoffs, it seemed as though our regular season efforts were validated. Despite playing almost 500 NHL games, I had never reached the playoffs except for the bubble in 2020, where we were the 12th seed. I don’t really consider that a true playoff experience. The fact that we made it proves our strategies are effective and we just need to continue in the same vein.”

Despite being swept in four games by the New York Rangers in the Eastern Conference First Round, the Capitals have bolstered their team during the offseason. They have added forwards Pierre-Luc Dubois, Andrew Mangiapane, Taylor Raddysh, Brandon Duhaime, 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 reasons.

“Making the playoffs was the most exhilarating hockey experience I’ve had in a very long time,” Strome expressed. “Regardless of whether I play as a first or second-line center, my primary goal is to contribute to the team’s victory. Participating last year was extremely enjoyable, and I’m eager to return and attempt to replicate that experience.”

Having seven new members on a team, particularly one that made the playoffs, is a significant number. Although we didn’t achieve our desired outcome and only one team can ultimately be satisfied at the season’s end, we have plenty to develop on and we’re enthusiastic about the future.