Strategic Moves to Strengthen Forward Depth: Sharks Welcome Goodrow and Dellandrea
As the San Jose Sharks prepare for an impending youth movement, the team made strategic moves on Wednesday, bolstering their forward depth by acquiring veterans Barclay Goodrow and Ty Dellandrea. These acquisitions are pivotal in easing the transition for top prospects Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith.
Barclay Goodrow: A Homecoming with Experience
Barclay Goodrow's return to San Jose is more than just adding depth—his playoff experience is invaluable. The Sharks claimed Goodrow off waivers from the New York Rangers, marking his second tenure with the team where he spent six impactful seasons. During his initial stint, Goodrow recorded 26 goals and 45 assists. Known for his clutch performances, he scored an iconic overtime goal in Game 7 of the first round against Vegas in 2019, paving the way for San Jose's journey to the Western Conference Finals.
After leaving San Jose, Goodrow enjoyed successful stints with the Tampa Bay Lightning and the New York Rangers. He was a key component of Tampa Bay's back-to-back Stanley Cup-winning teams in 2020 and 2021 and contributed to the Rangers' Eastern Conference Finals runs 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 points in 97 playoff games.
Goodrow’s return to the Sharks does come with financial implications. Claiming him off waivers provides the Rangers a salary cap relief of $3.6 million per season for the next three years. For San Jose, acquiring Goodrow's contract was a calculated risk, aimed at blending seasoned veterans with emerging talent.
Ty Dellandrea: Adding Depth and Physicality
In addition to claiming Goodrow, the Sharks traded with the Dallas Stars to acquire Ty Dellandrea. Dellandrea's profile offers the Sharks more than just depth. Having played 42 games for the Stars this season, he contributed two goals and seven assists. His physicality was evident, ranking sixth among forwards on his team with 63 hits and fifth in penalty kill time among Stars forwards.
Picked 13th overall by Dallas in 2018, Dellandrea has yet to fully realize his draft potential in terms of offensive numbers. He has registered 14 goals and 28 assists in 151 career NHL games, with four goals in 24 career playoff games. Despite this, his restricted free agent status in July will give San Jose his arbitration rights, presenting an opportunity for the Sharks to use his skills strategically.
During the recent playoffs, Dellandrea scored one goal in six games for Dallas. The Sharks hope that his physicality and penalty-killing abilities will offer a well-rounded support system for integrating younger talent into their lineup.
General Manager Mike Grier’s Vision
General Manager Mike Grier has been actively seeking veteran forwards to guide the younger players. Goodrow and Dellandrea's acquisitions reflect Grier's strategic foresight, focusing on blending experienced players with fresh talent to create a balanced and competitive team. This move aims to provide a foundation of experience to help nurture young prospects like Macklin Celebrini, projected as the No. 1 overall pick in this year's draft, and Will Smith, who was picked fourth overall last year.
Grier's attention to roster adjustments emphasizes a commitment to both immediate improvement and sustainable future success. The Sharks' recent moves signify a proactive approach in preparing for a new era, integrating seasoned veterans known for their playoff prowess and physical gameplay to bolster the team’s performance.
Outlook for the Future
The San Jose Sharks' strategic acquisitions of Goodrow and Dellandrea aim to build a resilient and dynamic squad. With a calculated blend of veteran leadership and youthful potential, the Sharks are positioning themselves for a promising future. The integration of experienced players like Goodrow, who has a proven track record in crucial playoff moments, and the physicality and depth provided by Dellandrea, indicate a robust strategy to uplift and guide the emerging talent.
As training camps and the new season approach, all eyes will be on how these new additions impact the Sharks' performance on the ice. With prospects Celebrini and Smith expected to make their mark, the foundational support from veterans could be the key to a successful transition and a competitive edge in the league.