Statements
The San Jose Sharks made strategic moves on Wednesday, bolstering their forward depth to support an impending youth movement.
The Sharks claimed Barclay Goodrow off waivers from the New York Rangers and traded with the Dallas Stars to acquire Ty Dellandrea.
Veteran Presence and Leadership
These acquisitions aim to ease the transition for the projected No. 1 overall pick in this year's draft, Macklin Celebrini, and Will Smith, picked fourth overall last year. General Manager Mike Grier had been actively seeking veteran forwards to guide the younger players, and Goodrow's return to San Jose provides not only depth but also invaluable playoff experience.
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. An essential player in several deep playoff runs, Goodrow was integral to Tampa Bay's back-to-back Stanley Cup victories 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.
Strategic Financial Moves
Besides his on-ice contributions, 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 from the Rangers was a calculated risk to benefit from his experience and leadership qualities.
Goodrow’s most memorable moment with the Sharks came in 2019 when he scored an iconic overtime goal in Game 7 of the first round against Vegas, helping San Jose reach the Western Conference Finals. Such clutch performances highlight the value and impact a seasoned player like Goodrow can bring to a team looking to mentor and guide its younger talent.
Bolstering the Forward Depth with 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. 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. He has recorded four goals in 24 career playoff games.
However, Dellandrea's value is also reflected in his physicality and penalty-killing abilities. He ranked sixth among forwards on his team with 63 hits and was fifth in penalty kill time among Stars forwards. 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, adding flexibility to the team's future roster decisions.
The Sharks hope Dellandrea's style of play will offer a well-rounded support system for integrating younger talent into their lineup. His presence, along with Goodrow's, signifies the Sharks' focus on balancing skill sets and fostering a competitive environment for their emerging stars.
A Balanced and Competitive Team
General Manager Mike Grier's strategic foresight in acquiring Goodrow and Dellandrea underscores an effort to create a balanced and competitive team. Blending seasoned veterans with emerging talent marks a commitment to both immediate improvement and sustainable future success. 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 well-thought-out plan, aiming to position the Sharks as not just playoff contenders but a team capable of sustained success. With a mix of playoffs-proven veterans and highly touted prospects, the Sharks present a compelling case for their strategic moves this offseason.
"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 notable statistic emphasizes the Sharks' recognition of the value that Goodrow's experience and scoring ability bring to the team.
In conclusion, the San Jose Sharks' recent acquisitions of Goodrow and Dellandrea reflect a holistic approach to team-building. These moves, underscored by strategic foresight, signal a commitment to immediate competitiveness while paving the way for future success.