Sharks Bolster Forward Depth with Strategic Moves
The San Jose Sharks made significant strategic moves on Wednesday to enhance their forward depth, supporting an impending youth movement within the team.
The Sharks claimed Barclay Goodrow off waivers from the New York Rangers and traded with the Dallas Stars to acquire Ty Dellandrea. 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.
Goodrow's Return to San Jose
Barclay Goodrow's return to San Jose not only adds depth to the roster but also brings invaluable playoff experience to the team. General Manager Mike Grier had been actively seeking veteran forwards who could guide the younger players, and Goodrow fits this bill perfectly.
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, where he was a key component in several deep playoff runs.
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 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.
Claiming Goodrow has financial implications for the Rangers, saving $3.6 million against the salary cap each of the next three seasons. Taking on Goodrow's contract from the Rangers was a calculated risk by the Sharks, demonstrating their commitment to blending seasoned veterans with emerging talent.
The Addition of Ty Dellandrea
Adding Ty Dellandrea brings 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 fully translated his draft potential into significant offensive numbers. He has registered 14 goals and 28 assists in 151 NHL games and recorded four goals in 24 playoff games. During the recent playoffs, he 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.
Strategic Foresight and Future Prospects
The recent acquisitions of Goodrow and Dellandrea underscore the Sharks' 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 the Sharks continue to develop their young talent, the addition of experienced players like Goodrow and Dellandrea should help bridge the gap, ensuring a smoother transition for the next generation of stars.
"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.
Overall, the Sharks' recent moves exhibit a clear vision for the future while addressing the present needs of the team. As the new season approaches, fans can look forward to seeing how these acquisitions will integrate and contribute to the Sharks' quest for success.