Strategic Acquisitions to Support Youth Movement
The San Jose Sharks made key strategic moves on Wednesday, enhancing their forward depth in preparation for 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. These acquisitions are designed to smooth the transition for the team's projected No. 1 overall pick in this year's draft, Macklin Celebrini, and Will Smith, who was picked fourth overall last year.
Barclay Goodrow's Return
Goodrow's return to San Jose is a multi-faceted win for the Sharks. Not only does he provide valuable depth, but he also brings invaluable playoff experience. General Manager Mike Grier had been actively seeking veteran forwards to guide the younger players, and Goodrow fits the bill perfectly.
Goodrow previously spent six seasons with the Sharks, scoring 26 goals and notching 45 assists. His journey through the NHL has been marked by successful stints with the Tampa Bay Lightning and the New York Rangers, where he emerged as 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.
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, saving them $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, but one that seems poised to pay off.
Adding Depth with 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, 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 and has recorded four goals in 24 career 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, providing additional future flexibility. The Sharks hope Dellandrea's physicality and penalty-killing abilities will offer a well-rounded support system for integrating younger talent into their lineup.
Building for the Future
The San Jose Sharks' recent acquisitions of Goodrow and Dellandrea are underscored by strategic foresight. General Manager Mike Grier's focus on blending seasoned veterans with emerging talent marks a concerted 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 team gears up for the next NHL season, these moves could prove pivotal in supporting the Sharks' young talent while maintaining a competitive edge.
Quotes
"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.