Strome signs 2-year deal on eve of Blackhawks training camp

Less than 24 hours before their first training camp practice, the Blackhawks finally came to terms with center Dylan Strome on a new contract Sunday.

Strome, who was a restricted free agent, signed a two-year deal that carries a $3 million cap hit.

"We believe Dylan is ready to take the next step in his career and build off the strides he has made in his first two years in Chicago," said Stan Bowman, the Hawks' president of hockey operations and general manager. "He has great offensive instincts and brings creativity and skill to our team. We are thrilled he is now signed and able to join us tomorrow for the start of training camp."

Strome had an up-and-down campaign last season, scoring 12 goals and dishing out 26 assists in 58 games. He also had 2 goals and an assist in nine postseason contests.

The Hawks begin camp with a 10:30 a.m. practice at Fifth Third Arena. All practices are closed to the public. The season opener is at Tampa Bay on January 13.

Some of the biggest questions that may be answered in the coming days and weeks include:

• How do Patrick Kane and Duncan Keith feel about the Hawks going into rebuilding mode? We've yet to hear from either veteran on the subject.

• Is Brent Seabrook ready to contribute at a high level? And if not, just how long of a leash does he have?

• Can Alex DeBrincat bounce back after a disappointing season?

• How will young defensemen like Adam Boqvist and Ian Mitchell look?

• Who are the top four centers and which lines will they lead?

• Who will emerge as the No. 1 goalie among Collin Delia, Kevin Lankinen and Malcolm Subban? Or will the Hawks split goaltender duties between two - or even three - of them?

• Can Dominik Kubalik follow up his 30-goal rookie campaign with another big season? Or will the trade of Brandon Saad coupled with Jonathan Toews' absence set Kubalik back?

• Will Pius Suter be the next solid European find by Bowman's staff?

• Who assumes captain duties with Toews out? Seabrook? Kane? Keith?

• Finally, just how many wins will this team produce? Something around 15 seems about right.