San Jose Sharks Strengthen Forward Depth with Strategic Acquisitions
On Wednesday, the San Jose Sharks took significant steps to enhance their forward lineup, preparing for an anticipated youth movement within the team. In a series of strategic moves, the Sharks claimed Barclay Goodrow off waivers from the New York Rangers and secured Ty Dellandrea through a trade with the Dallas Stars.
The Return of Barclay Goodrow
Barclay Goodrow’s return to San Jose is of special interest, bringing not only depth to the Sharks’ roster but also a wealth of playoff experience. Goodrow is no stranger to the Sharks' organization, having previously spent six seasons with the team, during which he scored 26 goals and provided 45 assists. His tenure with the team included a memorable moment in 2019, when he scored a decisive overtime goal in Game 7 of the first round against the Vegas Golden Knights, a pivotal play that propelled San Jose to the Western Conference Finals.
Goodrow’s playoff expertise extends beyond his time with the Sharks. He played integral roles in the Tampa Bay Lightning's back-to-back Stanley Cup victories in 2020 and 2021 and helped the New York Rangers reach the Eastern Conference Finals over the last two seasons. Throughout his NHL career, which began in 2014, the Toronto native has accumulated 169 points in 572 regular-season games and added 24 points in 97 playoff games.
General Manager Mike Grier emphasized the need for veteran forwards to guide the younger players, making Goodrow’s acquisition a calculated decision to balance experience with emerging talent. The financial implications for the New York Rangers are notable, as the move helps them save $3.6 million against the salary cap each of the next three seasons.
Welcoming Ty Dellandrea
In addition to Goodrow, the Sharks acquired Ty Dellandrea from the Dallas Stars, adding another layer of depth to their forward lineup. Dellandrea, who played 42 games for the Stars this season, contributed with 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 production, recording 14 goals and 28 assists in 151 career NHL games.
During the recent playoffs, Dellandrea showed his capabilities by scoring one goal in six games for the Stars. His physicality and penalty-killing skills are expected to provide a well-rounded support system for the Sharks, particularly as they integrate younger talent into their lineup. Dellandrea's restricted free agent status in July will also grant the Sharks his arbitration rights, offering some control over his future with the team.
Supporting the Next Generation
These acquisitions are part of a broader strategy aimed at easing the transition for key young players, namely Macklin Celebrini, the projected No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming draft, and Will Smith, who was picked fourth overall last year. General Manager Mike Grier’s focus on blending seasoned veterans with emerging talent is intended to create a balanced and competitive team, setting a robust foundation for both immediate improvement and sustainable future 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.
The recent additions of Goodrow and Dellandrea underline the Sharks' commitment to a strategic rebuild that does not solely rely on youth but also values the important role of experienced players in mentoring and guiding the next generation. The Sharks are poised to achieve a blend of resilience and skill, offering a promising outlook as they aim for both immediate results and long-term success.