Strategic Moves Bolster San Jose Sharks Forward Depth
The San Jose Sharks made a series of strategic moves on Wednesday, bolstering their forward depth in anticipation of an impending youth movement. As part of these efforts, the Sharks claimed Barclay Goodrow off waivers from the New York Rangers and acquired Ty Dellandrea in a trade with the Dallas Stars.
Aiming for a Smooth Transition
These acquisitions are expected to ease the transition for Macklin Celebrini, projected to be the No. 1 overall pick in this year's draft, and Will Smith, picked fourth overall last year. Goodrow's return to San Jose not only provides depth but also brings invaluable playoff experience.
San Jose Sharks General Manager Mike Grier emphasized the importance of veteran leadership, actively seeking seasoned forwards to guide the younger players. Goodrow previously spent six seasons with the Sharks, scoring 26 goals and notching 45 assists. His journey has included successful stints with the Tampa Bay Lightning and the New York Rangers, being a key component in several deep playoff runs.
Goodrow's Playoff Pedigree
Barclay Goodrow cemented his legacy with an iconic overtime goal in Game 7 of the first round against Vegas in 2019, which helped San Jose reach the Western Conference Finals. He further contributed to Tampa Bay's back-to-back Stanley Cup-winning teams in 2020 and 2021 and played a crucial role in the Rangers' journey to the Eastern Conference Finals over the past two years.
The Toronto native's experience is expansive, having amassed 169 points in 572 regular-season games and an additional 24 points in 97 playoff games since making his NHL debut in 2014. Claiming Goodrow has financial implications for the Rangers, saving them $3.6 million against the salary cap each of the next three seasons. For the Sharks, taking on Goodrow's contract was a calculated risk aimed at balancing short-term gains with long-term development.
The Addition of Ty Dellandrea
Acquiring Ty Dellandrea adds another layer of depth to the Sharks' roster. 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 registered 14 goals and 28 assists in 151 career NHL games, along with four goals in 24 career playoff games.
His restricted free agent status in July will give the Sharks his arbitration rights. During the recent playoffs, Dellandrea scored one goal in six games for Dallas. The Sharks hope that his physicality and penalty-killing abilities will offer a well-rounded support system for integrating younger talent into their lineup.
A Calculated Approach
The San Jose Sharks' recent acquisitions of Goodrow and Dellandrea reveal a deliberate strategy underscored by 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. The Sharks are aiming to build a bridge between experienced players and the next generation of talent, ensuring that the franchise remains competitive while fostering the growth and development of its youthful prospects.
Brandon Magnus from NHLI via Getty Images noted, "Barclay Goodrow scored 26 goals and notched 45 assists in six seasons with the San Jose Sharks." The return of Goodrow to San Jose, combined with the addition of promising talent like Dellandrea, provides the Sharks with a solid groundwork for the upcoming seasons. The future of the franchise looks promising, with veteran experience ready to guide and inspire the next wave of Sharks players.