Sharks Enhance Forward Depth with Key Acquisitions
On Wednesday, the San Jose Sharks executed strategic moves that significantly bolstered their forward depth, positioning themselves for an impending youth movement. The Sharks claimed Barclay Goodrow off waivers from the New York Rangers and completed a trade with the Dallas Stars to acquire Ty Dellandrea.
Goodrow's Return to San Jose
Barclay Goodrow's return to San Jose is not merely about adding depth but also about leveraging his invaluable playoff experience. General Manager Mike Grier had been actively searching for veteran forwards to guide the team’s younger players, and Goodrow fits the bill perfectly.
Goodrow previously spent six seasons with the Sharks, where he scored 26 goals and provided 45 assists. His journey has also included successful stints with the Tampa Bay Lightning and the New York Rangers. He has been instrumental in several deep playoff runs, underscored by his iconic overtime goal in Game 7 of the first round against Vegas in 2019, a moment that helped San Jose reach the Western Conference Finals.
He further contributed to Tampa Bay's back-to-back Stanley Cup victories in 2020 and 2021 and 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 points in 97 playoff games since debuting in the NHL in 2014.
Claiming Goodrow also has financial implications for the Rangers, saving them $3.6 million against the salary cap each of the next three seasons. For the Sharks, taking on Goodrow's contract was a calculated risk aimed at enhancing their roster's experience and depth.
Acquisition of Ty Dellandrea
Adding Ty Dellandrea to the squad further strengthens the Sharks' forward lineup. 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 recorded 14 goals and 28 assists in 151 career NHL games, along with 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 maneuvering space to negotiate his future with the team. The Sharks hope Dellandrea's physicality and penalty-killing abilities will offer a well-rounded support system for integrating younger talent into their lineup.
Impact on Young Prospects
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. The intent is to provide a foundation of experience to help nurture these young prospects, guiding them as they acclimate to the NHL's demanding environment.
General Manager Mike Grier's attention to blending seasoned veterans with emerging talent marks an effort to create a balanced and competitive team. These calculated roster adjustments signal a commitment to both immediate improvement and sustainable future success.
Barclay Goodrow and Ty Dellandrea’s additions to the Sharks are underscored by strategic foresight. By bridging the gap between seasoned veterans and promising young talent, the Sharks have positioned themselves to be both competitive in the present and viable contenders in the future.
As noted by Brandon Magnus from NHLI via Getty Images, "Barclay Goodrow scored 26 goals and notched 45 assists in six seasons with the San Jose Sharks." This return brings back fond memories and high expectations for Sharks fans who eagerly await the positive impact these acquisitions will have on their team.