In a series of strategic maneuvers designed to bolster their forward depth and support an impending youth movement, the San Jose Sharks made significant additions on Wednesday. They claimed Barclay Goodrow off waivers from the New York Rangers and acquired Ty Dellandrea through a trade with the Dallas Stars. These acquisitions aim to ease the transition for the projected No. 1 overall pick in this year's draft, Macklin Celebrini, and Will Smith, who was picked fourth overall last year.
Return of Barclay Goodrow
Barclay Goodrow’s return to San Jose brings a wave of enthusiasm and experience. Goodrow offers not just depth on the roster but also invaluable playoff experience. General Manager Mike Grier had been actively searching for veteran forwards to mentor the younger players, and Goodrow fits this role perfectly.
Having previously spent six seasons with the Sharks, Goodrow scored 26 goals and notched 45 assists during his tenure. His journey since then has included successful stints with the Tampa Bay Lightning and the New York Rangers, where he was a critical component in several deep playoff runs. Notably, in 2019, Goodrow scored an iconic overtime goal in Game 7 of the first round against the Vegas Golden Knights, helping San Jose reach the Western Conference Finals.
Goodrow’s contributions didn’t stop there. He further excelled with Tampa Bay, helping the team secure back-to-back Stanley Cup victories in 2020 and 2021. Most recently, he assisted the Rangers in their journey to the Eastern Conference Finals over the last two years.
Since his debut in the NHL in 2014, the Toronto native has amassed 169 points in 572 regular-season games and added 24 more points in 97 playoff games. Claiming Goodrow has financial implications for the Rangers as well, saving them $3.6 million against the salary cap each of the next three seasons.
A Calculated Risk
Acquiring Goodrow’s contract from the Rangers was a calculated risk by the Sharks, but one that appeared well-considered given the veteran forward's experience and playoff pedigree. Furthermore, the financial implications of this acquisition were also a strategic move on part of the Sharks.
Adding Ty Dellandrea
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. Dellandrea 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, registering 14 goals and 28 assists in 151 career NHL games.
However, Dellandrea’s restricted free agent status in July will give the Sharks his arbitration rights, making it a crucial moment for both the player and the team. During the recent playoffs, he recorded one goal in six games for Dallas. The Sharks hope that Dellandrea’s physicality and penalty-killing abilities will offer a well-rounded support system for integrating younger talent into their lineup.
A Balanced Approach
The San Jose Sharks' recent acquisitions of Goodrow and Dellandrea underscore a strategy underscored by foresight and balance. General Manager Mike Grier's attention to blending seasoned veterans with emerging talent marks an effort to create a balanced and competitive team. The aim here is to provide a robust foundation of experience to help nurture the young prospects, particularly promising talents like Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith.
These calculated roster adjustments signal a commitment to both immediate improvement and sustainable future success. The dual objective is to improve the team’s performance in the near term while preparing the groundwork for long-term achievements. The Sharks' decisions reflect an understanding of the importance of mentorship and experience in fostering young talent.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the Sharks' moves to acquire Barclay Goodrow and Ty Dellandrea appear poised to pay dividends both on and off the ice. By infusing the roster with both proven veterans and younger, promising players, San Jose is making a concerted effort to strike a balance between present competitiveness and future promise. Only time will tell how these strategic acquisitions will unfold, but for now, the Sharks seem to be on a well-charted course towards rebuilding and aspiring for success.
"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.