The San Jose Sharks Strengthen Forward Depth with Strategic Moves
Sharks Bolster Forward Depth for Upcoming Season
On Wednesday, the San Jose Sharks made significant strategic moves to strengthen their forward depth, aiming to support an impending youth movement. The team claimed Barclay Goodrow off waivers from the New York Rangers and secured Ty Dellandrea through a trade with the Dallas Stars. These acquisitions are designed to make the transition smoother for Macklin Celebrini, the projected No. 1 overall pick in this year's draft, and Will Smith, who was picked fourth overall last year.
Barclay Goodrow Returns to San Jose
Barclay Goodrow's return to San Jose not only adds depth to the roster but also brings invaluable playoff experience. General Manager Mike Grier has been actively searching for veteran forwards who can guide the younger players, and Goodrow fits this role perfectly. Goodrow previously spent six seasons with the Sharks, scoring 26 goals and notching 45 assists.
Goodrow’s career has included successful stints with the Tampa Bay Lightning and the New York Rangers. He has been a key component in several deep playoff runs. In 2019, he scored an iconic overtime goal in Game 7 of the first round against Vegas, helping San Jose reach the Western Conference Finals. Additionally, he contributed to Tampa Bay's back-to-back Stanley Cup-winning teams in 2020 and 2021 and aided the Rangers' journey to the Eastern Conference Finals over the past two years.
The Toronto native has amassed 169 points in 572 regular-season games and has added 24 more points in 97 playoff games since debuting in the NHL in 2014. Claiming Goodrow has financial implications for the Rangers, saving $3.6 million against the salary cap 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 off by providing leadership and stability for the younger players.
Adding Depth with Ty Dellandrea
The acquisition of Ty Dellandrea adds another layer of depth to 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 translated his draft potential into significant offensive numbers. He has registered 14 goals and 28 assists in 151 career NHL games and has recorded 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. The team hopes Dellandrea's physicality and penalty-killing abilities will offer a well-rounded support system for integrating younger talent into their lineup.
Strategic Vision of General Manager Mike Grier
The San Jose Sharks' recent acquisitions of Goodrow and Dellandrea are moves underscored by strategic foresight. General Manager Mike Grier's attention to blending seasoned veterans with emerging talent marks an effort to create a balanced and competitive team. The intent is to provide a foundation of experience to help nurture young prospects like Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith. These calculated roster adjustments signal a commitment to both immediate improvement and sustainable future success.
Conclusion
The moves to bring in Goodrow and Dellandrea demonstrate the Sharks' commitment to balancing veteran presence with youthful potential. By integrating these players into their roster, the Sharks aim to not only enhance their current competitive edge but also to secure a promising future. As the team looks ahead to the new season, these strategic additions could play a pivotal role in the development and success of emerging stars, paving the way for a new era of San Jose Sharks hockey.
"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.