On Wednesday, the San Jose Sharks made a series of strategic moves to strengthen their forward depth, a crucial step to support their impending youth movement. The Sharks claimed veteran forward Barclay Goodrow off waivers from the New York Rangers and executed a trade with the Dallas Stars to acquire Ty Dellandrea.
Reacquiring Goodrow
Barclay Goodrow's return to San Jose brings more than just added depth; it provides valuable playoff experience and leadership. General Manager Mike Grier has been actively seeking veteran forwards to guide the younger players, and Goodrow fits the bill perfectly. Having previously spent six seasons with the Sharks, during which he scored 26 goals and recorded 45 assists, Goodrow is no stranger to the team or its dynamics.
Goodrow's career has seen successful stints with both the Tampa Bay Lightning and the New York Rangers. He has been a key component in several deep playoff runs. In 2019, he scored an iconic overtime goal in Game 7 of the first round against Vegas, helping San Jose reach the Western Conference Finals. Further, he contributed significantly to Tampa Bay's back-to-back Stanley Cup-winning teams in 2020 and 2021 and aided the Rangers' journey to the Eastern Conference Finals over the last two years.
The 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. Goodrow's return is expected to play a pivotal role in easing the transition for the Sharks' emerging talents, including Macklin Celebrini, projected to be the No. 1 overall pick in this year's draft, and Will Smith, picked fourth overall last year.
Financially, claiming Goodrow has significant implications for the Rangers, saving them $3.6 million against the salary cap in each of the next three seasons. The Sharks took a calculated risk in taking on Goodrow's contract, signaling their commitment to balancing experience with budding talent.
Acquiring Ty Dellandrea
The addition of Ty Dellandrea adds another layer of depth to the Sharks. Dellandrea, who played 42 games for the Stars this season, contributed two goals and seven assists. Despite being picked 13th overall by Dallas in 2018, he has not yet fully translated his draft potential into significant offensive numbers, registering 14 goals and 28 assists in 151 career NHL games. He has also recorded four goals in 24 career playoff games.
However, Dellandrea ranked sixth among forwards on his team with 63 hits and was fifth in penalty kill time among Stars forwards this season. During the recent playoffs, he scored one goal in six games for Dallas. His physicality and penalty-killing abilities are expected to offer a well-rounded support system for integrating younger talent into the Sharks' lineup. Dellandrea's restricted free agent status in July will give the Sharks his arbitration rights, further indicating a strategic move to secure future potential.
Strategic Foresight for Future Success
The Sharks' recent acquisitions of Goodrow and Dellandrea demonstrate a blend of immediate improvement with long-term planning. 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 underscore a commitment to sustainable future success. The moves not only aim to bolster the current roster but also to create an environment where young players can thrive and develop under the mentorship of experienced veterans.
"Barclay Goodrow scored 26 goals and notched 45 assists in six seasons with the San Jose Sharks," noted Brandon Magnus from NHLI via Getty Images. This statement encapsulates the value and experience that Goodrow brings back to the team, reinforcing the strategic wisdom behind his reacquisition.
In summary, the Sharks' approach is one of calculated investments, blending veteran presence with youthful potential. As the team gears up for an exciting season, fans can anticipate a well-rounded and dynamic roster, built on the principles of experience, mentorship, and future promise.