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.
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.
Goodrow's 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. In 2019, he 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. Additionally, 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.
Financial Implications
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, weighing the cost against the potential benefits of his experience and leadership.
Adding Ty Dellandrea to the Mix
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.
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. 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
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 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.
Commitment to Immediate Improvement and Future Success
These calculated roster adjustments signal a commitment to both immediate improvement and sustainable future success. By bringing in experienced players like Goodrow and Dellandrea, the Sharks are setting the stage for a new era while ensuring that their young stars receive the mentorship and support needed to reach their full potential.
"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.
As the Sharks look to the future, the integration of veteran presence and youthful exuberance could be the key to revitalizing the franchise. With these strategic moves, San Jose is poised to navigate the challenges ahead and emerge as a formidable contender in the NHL.