Strategic Moves Highlight Sharks’ Youth Movement
The San Jose Sharks made strategic moves on Wednesday, bolstering their forward depth to support an impending youth movement. The Sharks claimed Barclay Goodrow off waivers from the New York Rangers and orchestrated a trade with the Dallas Stars to acquire Ty Dellandrea. These acquisitions are part of a broader strategy to ease the transition for the projected No. 1 overall pick in this year's draft, Macklin Celebrini, and Will Smith, picked fourth overall last year.
Goodrow's Experience Returns to San Jose
Barclay Goodrow's return to San Jose not only adds depth but also brings invaluable playoff experience. General Manager Mike Grier had been proactively seeking veteran forwards to guide the younger players. Goodrow, who previously spent six seasons with the Sharks, produced 26 goals and 45 assists during his tenure. His journey has included successful stints with both the Tampa Bay Lightning and the New York Rangers, making him a key component in several deep playoff runs.
In 2019, Goodrow scored an iconic overtime goal in Game 7 of the first round against the Vegas Golden Knights, helping the Sharks reach the Western Conference Finals. Further extending his playoff prowess, Goodrow contributed significantly to Tampa Bay's back-to-back Stanley Cup-winning teams in 2020 and 2021. Most recently, he bolstered the Rangers' journey to the Eastern Conference Finals over the past two years.
Goodrow, a Toronto native, has amassed 169 points in 572 regular-season games and added 24 more points in 97 playoff games since debuting in the NHL in 2014. Claiming Goodrow also has financial implications for the Rangers, as it saves them $3.6 million against the salary cap for each of the next three seasons. Taking on Goodrow's contract from the Rangers was a calculated risk by the Sharks, but one that they hope will pay dividends in mentoring their younger players.
Adding Dellandrea for Depth
The addition of Ty Dellandrea adds another layer of depth to the Sharks. Dellandrea played 42 games for the Stars this season, contributing two goals and seven assists. He ranked sixth among forwards on his team with 63 hits and was fifth in penalty kill time among Stars forwards. Despite being picked 13th overall by Dallas in 2018, Dellandrea has not yet translated his draft potential into significant offensive numbers. He has recorded 14 goals and 28 assists in 151 career NHL games, with four goals in 24 career playoff games.
During the recent playoffs, Dellandrea scored one goal in six games for Dallas. His restricted free agent status in July will give the Sharks his arbitration rights. The Sharks hope Dellandrea's physicality and penalty-killing abilities will offer a well-rounded support system for integrating younger talent into their lineup.
Balanced and Competitive Team
The San Jose Sharks' recent acquisitions of Goodrow and Dellandrea are moves underscored by strategic foresight. General Manager Mike Grier's attention to blending seasoned veterans with emerging talent marks an effort to create a balanced and competitive team. The intent is to provide a foundation of experience to help nurture young prospects like Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith. These calculated roster adjustments signal a commitment to both immediate improvement and sustainable future success.
As noted by Brandon Magnus from NHLI via Getty Images, "Barclay Goodrow scored 26 goals and notched 45 assists in six seasons with the San Jose Sharks." This quote encapsulates the seasoned expertise Goodrow brings back to San Jose, illustrating why the Sharks have high hopes for their newly adjusted roster.