The San Jose Sharks Bolster Forward Depth with Veterans
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.
Goodrow’s Return to San Jose
Goodrow’s return to San Jose provides not only depth but also invaluable playoff experience. General Manager Mike Grier had been actively seeking veteran forwards to guide the younger players through their transition into the NHL. Goodrow previously spent six seasons with the Sharks, during which he scored 26 goals and notched 45 assists. Since leaving San Jose, Goodrow’s journey 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. He further 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 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 Considerations
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 they believe will pay off in the long run.
The Addition of 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. However, his physicality and penalty-killing abilities make him a valuable addition to the Sharks’ roster. 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, adding another layer of control over his future with the team. The Sharks hope Dellandrea’s skill set will provide a well-rounded support system for integrating younger talent into their lineup.
A Blend of Veterans and Emerging Talent
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 behind these calculated roster adjustments is to provide a foundation of experience to help nurture young prospects like Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith. By surrounding these players with experienced individuals like Goodrow and Dellandrea, the Sharks are setting the stage for immediate improvement and sustainable future success.
The San Jose Sharks’ recent acquisitions of Goodrow and Dellandrea are moves underscored by strategic foresight. While adding experienced players to the mix, the focus remains on developing younger prospects to ensure the Sharks are competitive both now and in the years to come. The team’s commitment to this dual objective highlights a comprehensive approach to roster building, aimed at securing long-term success.
With the current blend of veterans and young talent, the Sharks are looking to make a significant impact in the coming seasons. These strategic moves by General Manager Mike Grier showcase a clear vision for the future, emphasizing both immediate competitiveness and future growth. As the Sharks prepare for the next phase, fans can look forward to an exciting blend of youthful energy and seasoned expertise.