San Jose Sharks Strengthen Roster with Seasoned Veterans Goodrow and Dellandrea
In a strategic play on Wednesday, the San Jose Sharks took significant steps to enhance their forward depth ahead of an impending youth movement. The Sharks claimed Barclay Goodrow off waivers from the New York Rangers and negotiated a trade with the Dallas Stars to acquire Ty Dellandrea.
Veteran Leadership Returns to San Jose
Goodrow's re-acquisition to San Jose brings not only depth but also valuable playoff experience. General Manager Mike Grier has been actively pursuing veteran forwards to mentor the younger players. Goodrow, who previously spent six seasons with the Sharks, scored 26 goals and contributed 45 assists during his tenure.
Goodrow's career has since flourished with successful stints at the Tampa Bay Lightning and the New York Rangers, playing key roles in several deep playoff runs. In 2019, he netted a memorable overtime goal in Game 7 of the first round against Vegas, propelling San Jose to the Western Conference Finals. Later, he was instrumental in Tampa Bay's consecutive Stanley Cup victories in 2020 and 2021. Over the last two years, he has contributed significantly to the Rangers' journey to the Eastern Conference Finals.
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. 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 represents a calculated risk aimed at benefiting from his experience and leadership.
Enhancing Depth with Dellandrea
The addition of Ty Dellandrea further boosts the Sharks' 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. Though picked 13th overall by Dallas in 2018, Dellandrea has yet to fully realize his potential in terms of offensive numbers. In his 151 career NHL games, he has registered 14 goals and 28 assists, with an additional four goals in 24 career playoff games.
As a restricted free agent come July, the Sharks will hold Dellandrea's arbitration rights. During the recent playoffs, he netted one goal in six games for Dallas. The Sharks believe Dellandrea's physicality and penalty-killing abilities will provide robust support for integrating younger talents into their lineup.
Building a Foundation for the Future
Grier's recent acquisitions highlight a strategic foresight, blending seasoned veterans with emerging talents to foster a balanced and competitive team. This calculated approach aims to provide a foundation of experience to help nurture young prospects like Macklin Celebrini, projected as this year's No. 1 overall pick, and Will Smith, picked fourth overall last year. The Sharks hope that the guidance and leadership of seasoned players like Goodrow and Dellandrea will ease the transition for these promising young stars.
The moves underscore a commitment not just to immediate improvement but also to sustainable success. By creating an environment where young talents can thrive alongside experienced mentors, the Sharks are positioning themselves for both short-term competitiveness and long-term growth.
As Brandon Magnus from NHLI via Getty Images remarked, "Barclay Goodrow scored 26 goals and notched 45 assists in six seasons with the San Jose Sharks." This return to familiar territory might just be what the Sharks need to navigate through a transitional phase, instilling a blend of youthful energy and seasoned wisdom.
The San Jose Sharks’ roster adjustments signal an aspiration to build a well-rounded team capable of contending now and in the future. The blend of potential and experience brought by players like Goodrow and Dellandrea could very well become the cornerstone of the Sharks' strategy moving forward.