Strategic Moves by the San Jose Sharks: Acquiring Barclay Goodrow and Ty Dellandrea
On Wednesday, the San Jose Sharks made significant strides to bolster their forward lineup, effectively supporting an impending youth movement within the team.
Key Acquisitions: Goodrow and Dellandrea
The Sharks claimed Barclay Goodrow off waivers from the New York Rangers and completed a trade with the Dallas Stars to acquire Ty Dellandrea. These acquisitions were meticulously planned to ease the transition for Macklin Celebrini, the anticipated No. 1 overall pick in this year's draft, alongside Will Smith, who was picked fourth overall last year.
Goodrow's return to San Jose is expected to add not only depth but also invaluable playoff experience. Sharks' General Manager Mike Grier has been actively seeking veteran forwards to guide the younger players, and Goodrow fits this profile perfectly.
Goodrow’s Journey and Experience
Goodrow previously spent six seasons with the Sharks, where he scored 26 goals and notched 45 assists. Over the years, his journey has included successful stints with the Tampa Bay Lightning and the New York Rangers. He has played a pivotal role in several deep playoff runs, a fact that underscores his value to any team aiming for postseason success.
In 2019, Goodrow scored an iconic overtime goal in Game 7 of the first round against the Vegas Golden Knights, which helped the Sharks advance to the Western Conference Finals. Furthermore, he was an integral part of Tampa Bay's back-to-back Stanley Cup-winning teams in 2020 and 2021. More recently, he contributed to 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 added 24 more points in 97 playoff games since making his NHL debut in 2014. Claiming Goodrow 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, but one that they believe will pay off in terms of on-ice leadership and performance.
Adding Depth with Ty Dellandrea
The addition of Ty Dellandrea further strengthens 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 yet to fully realize his draft potential in terms of offensive statistics.
In 151 career NHL games, he has registered 14 goals and 28 assists, along with four goals in 24 career playoff games. Dellandrea is a restricted free agent in July, giving the Sharks his arbitration rights. During the recent playoffs, he scored one goal in six games for Dallas. The Sharks are optimistic that Dellandrea's physicality and penalty-killing abilities will offer a well-rounded support system for integrating younger talent into their lineup.
Strategic Vision and Commitment
The recent acquisitions of Goodrow and Dellandrea by the San Jose Sharks are underscored by strategic foresight. General Manager Mike Grier's approach to blending seasoned veterans with emerging talent marks an effort to create a balanced and competitive team. By doing so, the Sharks aim to build a foundation of experience that will 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. 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 statistical highlight is a testament to Goodrow's contribution during his previous tenure with the Sharks and an indicator of the impact he is expected to make upon his return.
Conclusion
The strategic moves made by the San Jose Sharks signify a well-thought-out plan to support the young talent while reinforcing the team with experienced players. Goodrow and Dellandrea bring a mix of leadership, physicality, and playoff experience that will be invaluable as the Sharks navigate the upcoming season and beyond. With these additions, the Sharks are poised to create a balanced team capable of both immediate success and long-term development.