San Jose Sharks Bolster Forward Depth with Strategic Acquisitions
The San Jose Sharks made pivotal moves on Wednesday, enhancing their forward depth in anticipation of 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.
Building for the Future
These acquisitions aim to smooth the transition for Macklin Celebrini, the projected No. 1 overall pick in this year's draft, and Will Smith, who was picked fourth overall last year. With an experienced player like Goodrow returning, the Sharks are building a more seasoned foundation to support these promising young talents.
Goodrow's return not only enhances the team's depth but also infuses valuable playoff experience into the roster. General Manager Mike Grier has been actively pursuing veteran forwards to mentor the team’s younger players, and Goodrow fits that mold perfectly.
Goodrow’s Proven Track Record
Goodrow previously spent six seasons with the Sharks, scoring 26 goals and notching 45 assists. His experience extends beyond San Jose; Goodrow has enjoyed successful tenures with both the Tampa Bay Lightning and the New York Rangers. He has been a pivotal player in several deep playoff runs.
In 2019, Goodrow etched his name into San Jose Sharks lore by scoring an iconic overtime goal in Game 7 of the first round against the Vegas Golden Knights, propelling the Sharks to the Western Conference Finals. He played an integral role in Tampa Bay's back-to-back Stanley Cup victories in 2020 and 2021, and further contributed to the Rangers' journey to the Eastern Conference Finals in the past two years. Since his NHL debut in 2014, the Toronto native has amassed 169 points in 572 regular-season games and added 24 more points in 97 playoff games.
From a financial standpoint, claiming Goodrow saves the Rangers $3.6 million against the salary cap each of the next three seasons, making this move a calculated risk for the Sharks.
Ty Dellandrea: Adding Depth and Versatility
The acquisition of Ty Dellandrea adds another layer of depth to the Sharks’ roster. 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 realized his full offensive potential. He has recorded 14 goals and 28 assists in 151 career NHL games and has registered four goals in 24 career playoff games. Notably, he scored one goal in six games during the recent playoffs for Dallas.
As a restricted free agent in July, Dellandrea’s arbitration rights will belong to the Sharks, which could prove beneficial in future contract negotiations. The Sharks hope his physicality and penalty-killing skills will create a well-rounded support system for the integration of younger talent into their lineup.
General Manager’s Vision
The Sharks’ recent acquisitions of Goodrow and Dellandrea highlight strategic foresight by General Manager Mike Grier. His approach of blending seasoned veterans with emerging talents reflects an effort to form a balanced and competitive team. The goal is to establish a foundation of experience that will nurture young prospects like Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith.
These calculated roster adjustments underscore a commitment to both immediate improvement and long-term success. The Sharks’ front office is determined to create an environment where young players can thrive, supported by experienced teammates who know what it takes to succeed in the NHL.
Brandon Magnus from NHLI via Getty Images noted, "Barclay Goodrow scored 26 goals and notched 45 assists in six seasons with the San Jose Sharks," a testament to the player’s valuable contribution during his previous stint with the team. As Goodrow returns to San Jose alongside the promising Ty Dellandrea, the Sharks are clearly gearing up for a new era of competitiveness and growth.
In conclusion, the San Jose Sharks' moves to reintegrate Goodrow and bring in Dellandrea are set to play a crucial role in their overarching strategy. By fortifying their lineup with experienced and young players, the Sharks aim to build a formidable team ready to tackle the challenges of the upcoming seasons.