Strategic Moves by the Sharks to Bolster Forward Depth
The San Jose Sharks made strategic moves on Wednesday, bolstering their forward depth in preparation for an impending youth movement. The Sharks claimed Barclay Goodrow off waivers from the New York Rangers and executed a trade 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, picked fourth overall last year.
Goodrow's Return to San Jose
Goodrow's return to San Jose provides not only depth but also invaluable playoff experience. General Manager Mike Grier had been actively seeking veteran forwards to guide the younger players. 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. Most recently, he 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 also has financial implications for the Rangers, saving $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, but it appears to be one with significant potential upside.
Addition of 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. 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 recorded four goals in 24 career playoff games.
Moreover, Dellandrea's 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. 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 Long-term Goals
The San Jose Sharks' recent acquisitions of Goodrow and Dellandrea underscore a strategy underscored by 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.
In summary, these strategic moves by the Sharks aim to balance experience with youth, positioning the team for immediate competitiveness while laying the groundwork for long-term success. By adding the playoff experience and versatility of Goodrow and the physicality and potential of Dellandrea, the Sharks are making thoughtful decisions to guide their younger players through the transition to the NHL. As the team integrates these new elements, fans can look forward to a season of growth and promise.
Notable Quote
"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 highlights the significant impact Goodrow has had and can continue to have as he re-joins the Sharks, bringing both skill and valuable experience to the team.