San Jose Sharks Bolster Forward Depth: Strategic Acquisitions of Barclay Goodrow and Ty Dellandrea
The San Jose Sharks made significant strategic moves on Wednesday, aiming to bolster their forward depth in preparation for 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.
Targeted Veteran Presence
These acquisitions are designed to ease the transition for two key young prospects: Macklin Celebrini, projected to be the No. 1 overall pick in this year's draft, and Will Smith, the fourth overall pick from last year. Goodrow's return to San Jose not only enhances the team's depth but also adds invaluable playoff experience.
General Manager Mike Grier has been actively seeking veteran forwards to guide the younger players. Goodrow, who previously spent six seasons with the Sharks, brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the team. His earlier tenure with the Sharks saw him score 26 goals and notch 45 assists.
Playoff Performer
Goodrow's journey through the NHL has included successful stints with the Tampa Bay Lightning and the New York Rangers. He has been a pivotal component in several deep playoff runs, including scoring an iconic overtime goal in Game 7 of the first round against Vegas in 2019, which helped the Sharks reach the Western Conference Finals.
Goodrow further contributed to Tampa Bay's back-to-back Stanley Cup-winning teams in 2020 and 2021. More recently, he played a key role in the Rangers' journey to the Eastern Conference Finals over the last two years. Since debuting in the NHL in 2014, the Toronto native has amassed 169 points in 572 regular-season games and added 24 more points in 97 playoff games.
Financial Implications
Claiming Goodrow also has financial implications for the Rangers, saving them $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 aligns with their strategic goals.
Adding Depth with Ty Dellandrea
The addition of Ty Dellandrea further 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 translated his draft potential into significant offensive numbers. He has registered 14 goals and 28 assists in 151 career NHL games and recorded four goals in 24 career playoff games.
Future Potential
As a restricted free agent in July, Dellandrea's arbitration rights will belong to the Sharks. During the recent playoffs, he scored one goal in six games for Dallas. The Sharks hope that Dellandrea's physicality and penalty-killing abilities will offer a well-rounded support system for integrating younger talent into their lineup.
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.
Final Thoughts
The San Jose Sharks' recent acquisitions of Barclay Goodrow and Ty Dellandrea are moves underscored by strategic foresight. By combining experienced veterans with developing talent, the Sharks are positioning themselves for a brighter and more competitive future. The blend of seasoned players with promising young stars aims to ensure that the team remains competitive in the short term while building a sustainable pathway for long-term success.
"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. This highlights the significance of his return to the team, as he brings both skill and experience that are invaluable to the Sharks' ongoing development.