San Jose Sharks Bolster Forward Depth with Key Acquisitions
The San Jose Sharks made strategic moves on Wednesday, enhancing their forward depth in anticipation of an impending youth movement. The Sharks claimed Barclay Goodrow off waivers from the New York Rangers and conducted a trade with the Dallas Stars to acquire Ty Dellandrea. This tactical reinforcement aims to ease the transition for the projected No. 1 overall pick in this year's draft, Macklin Celebrini, alongside Will Smith, who was picked fourth overall last year.
Barclay Goodrow’s Return
The return of Barclay Goodrow to San Jose provides not only depth but also substantial playoff experience. General Manager Mike Grier had been actively seeking veteran forwards to guide the team’s younger players, and Goodrow fits this need perfectly. Goodrow previously spent six seasons with the Sharks, during which he scored 26 goals and notched 45 assists.
Goodrow’s NHL journey has included successful stints with the Tampa Bay Lightning and the New York Rangers. He has been a key component in several deep playoff runs, adding much-needed experience to his résumé. Notably, in 2019, Goodrow scored an iconic overtime goal in Game 7 of the first round against Vegas, helping 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 was instrumental in the Rangers' journey to the Eastern Conference Finals over the last two years. Since debuting 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 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, one they believe will pay off.
Adding Ty Dellandrea
The addition of Ty Dellandrea adds another layer of depth to the Sharks' roster. Dellandrea played 42 games for the Stars this season, tallying two goals and seven assists. Known for his physical play, 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 yet to fully translate 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, he scored one goal in six games for Dallas, showcasing his ability to contribute in critical moments.
The Sharks hope that Dellandrea's physicality and penalty-killing abilities will provide a well-rounded support system for integrating younger talent into their lineup. His attributes make him a valuable asset to the team, especially in situations that demand defensive responsibility and toughness.
Strategic Vision
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 a dedicated effort to create a balanced and competitive team. The intent behind these moves is to provide a foundation of experience that will 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 the team prepares for the upcoming season, the combination of veteran presence and youthful potential could drive the Sharks to new heights, both in terms of development and performance.
In summary, the strategic additions of Barclay Goodrow and Ty Dellandrea reflect the San Jose Sharks' commitment to a thoughtful, future-oriented approach. With experienced players guiding the promising rookies, the Sharks aim to strike a harmonious balance that could yield positive results on the ice. The moves demonstrate that the organization is not merely thinking about the present season but is also laying the groundwork for long-term success.
Brandon Magnus from NHLI via Getty Images mentioned, "Barclay Goodrow scored 26 goals and notched 45 assists in six seasons with the San Jose Sharks," capturing the essence of what Goodrow brings back to the team. The investment in veteran talent underscores the Sharks' goal to create a robust, competitive squad capable of nurturing and harnessing the potential of their young prospects.