Sharks Secure Strategic Acquisitions to Bolster Youth Movement
The San Jose Sharks have made strategic moves to enhance their forward depth, facilitating an impending youth movement within the team. On Wednesday, the Sharks claimed Barclay Goodrow off waivers from the New York Rangers and acquired Ty Dellandrea through a trade with the Dallas Stars.
Goodrow’s Return: Depth and Experience
Barclay Goodrow's return to San Jose offers the Sharks not only depth but also invaluable playoff experience. General Manager Mike Grier has been actively seeking veteran forwards to mentor younger players, and Goodrow fits this role perfectly. Having previously spent six seasons with the Sharks, Goodrow scored 26 goals and recorded 45 assists during that tenure.
Goodrow’s journey in the NHL has included successful stints with both the Tampa Bay Lightning and the New York Rangers. He has been pivotal in multiple deep playoff runs, including scoring an iconic overtime goal in Game 7 of the first round against Vegas in 2019, which helped the Sharks reach the Western Conference Finals. He further contributed to Tampa Bay's consecutive Stanley Cup victories in 2020 and 2021 and aided the Rangers' journey to the Eastern Conference Finals over the last two seasons. Overall, the Toronto native has amassed 169 points in 572 regular-season games and added 24 more points in 97 playoff games since his NHL debut in 2014.
Claiming Goodrow also has financial implications for the Rangers, saving them $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 one that could pay significant dividends in terms of mentorship and experience for the younger players.
Dellandrea: Adding Depth and Physicality
The addition of Ty Dellandrea provides another layer of depth for 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 realized his draft potential in terms of offensive numbers, registering 14 goals and 28 assists in 151 career NHL games. He has recorded four goals in 24 career playoff games, including one goal in six games during the recent playoffs for Dallas. Dellandrea's restricted free agent status in July will give the Sharks his arbitration rights, providing an additional layer of control over his future with the team.
The Sharks hope Dellandrea's physicality and penalty-killing abilities will offer a well-rounded support system, crucial for integrating younger talents like Macklin Celebrini, projected to be this year's No. 1 overall pick, and Will Smith, selected fourth overall last year.
Strategic Foresight for Immediate and Future Success
The recent acquisitions of Goodrow and Dellandrea underscore General Manager Mike Grier's strategic foresight. By blending seasoned veterans with emerging talent, Grier aims to create a balanced and competitive team. The intention is to provide a foundation of experience and leadership to nurture young prospects like Celebrini and Smith, ensuring their smooth transition into the NHL.
These calculated roster adjustments signal the Sharks' commitment to both immediate improvement and sustainable future success. By reinforcing their forward depth with experienced players like Goodrow and Dellandrea, the Sharks are positioning themselves to be more competitive in the upcoming seasons while also preparing for a brighter, youth-driven future.
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"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.