Forward Depth Addition for San Jose Sharks
The San Jose Sharks made strategic moves on Wednesday, bolstering their forward depth to support an impending youth movement. The Sharks claimed Barclay Goodrow off waivers from the New York Rangers and traded with the Dallas Stars to acquire Ty Dellandrea. 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, who recently signed an entry-level contract with San Jose.
Goodrow's Return to San Jose
General Manager Mike Grier had been actively seeking veteran forwards to guide the younger players. The return of Barclay Goodrow, 31, provides not only depth but also invaluable playoff experience. Goodrow previously spent six seasons with the Sharks, scoring 26 goals and notching 45 assists.
Goodrow’s journey has included successful stints with the Tampa Bay Lightning and the New York Rangers. During his career, 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. He further contributed to Tampa Bay's back-to-back Stanley Cup-winning teams in 2020 and 2021 before aiding 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 more points in 97 playoff games since debuting in the NHL in 2014.
"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.
Cap Relief for the Rangers
Claiming Goodrow also has financial implications. His exit allows the Rangers to save $3.6 million against the salary cap each of the next three seasons. The cap relief will allow New York to retool their roster after falling just short of reaching the Stanley Cup Final. Taking on Goodrow's contract from the Rangers was a calculated risk by the Sharks, aiming to leverage his playoff-caliber experience to mentor their young squad.
Ty Dellandrea's Potential
The addition of Ty Dellandrea, who was traded from Dallas in exchange for a 2025 fourth-round pick that San Jose originally acquired from Winnipeg, adds another layer of depth. Dellandrea, 23, played 42 games for the Stars this season, contributing two goals and seven assists. Notably, 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, registering 14 goals and 28 assists in 151 career NHL games. He has also recorded four goals in 24 career playoff games. His restricted free agent status in July will give the Sharks his arbitration rights, offering some control and negotiation leverage for the team moving forward.
During the recent playoffs, he scored one goal in six games for Dallas, demonstrating glimpses of his potential to impact crucial games. The Sharks hope Dellandrea's physicality and penalty-killing abilities, combined with Goodrow's veteran presence, will offer a well-rounded support system for integrating younger talent into their lineup.
Strategic Moves for Future Success
In summary, 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 clear: provide a foundation of experience to help nurture young prospects like Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith, ensuring their successful transition to the NHL. As the Sharks gear up for the upcoming season, these calculated roster adjustments signal a commitment to both immediate improvement and sustainable future success.