The San Jose Sharks find themselves in familiar territory as the NHL trade deadline approaches – sellers. With a young core headlined by Macklin Celebrini, Will Smith, and William Eklund, the Sharks are firmly in rebuild mode. This means veterans like Barclay Goodrow could be on the move as the team seeks to stockpile draft capital.
Goodrow, known for his physicality and energy, has seen his offensive production dip this season. However, he still brings value as a fourth-line grinder who can inject momentum into a game with his hard-nosed style.
NHL insider Nick Kypreos recently fueled speculation surrounding Goodrow’s future during his online piece on Sportsnet. Kypreos argued that the New York Rangers made a “massive mistake” by placing Goodrow on waivers, suggesting their dressing room hasn’t been the same since his departure. He highlighted the Rangers’ struggles this season as evidence of Goodrow’s impact.
“Goodrow is the kind of player who brings a team together,” Kypreos stated. “He’s a leader on and off the ice, and his physical presence is something every contending team needs.”
Kypreos went on to identify the Toronto Maple Leafs as a potential landing spot for Goodrow. He believes the Leafs, who are gearing up for another deep playoff run, could benefit from adding a player with Goodrow’s grit and experience.
Barclay Goodrow’s Contract Could Complicate Trade to the Toronto Maple Leafs
The biggest obstacle to a potential trade, according to Kypreos, is Goodrow’s contract. He’s currently in the fourth year of a six-year deal with an annual average value (AAV) of $3.641 million. The Sharks have already exhausted their three salary retention slots, meaning they can’t retain any of Goodrow’s salary in a direct trade. If a team wants San Jose to retain salary, a third team would need to be involved to facilitate the deal.
Despite the complexities surrounding his contract, it seems increasingly likely that Goodrow will be wearing a different jersey by the trade deadline. His blend of physicality, leadership, and playoff experience makes him an attractive target for contenders looking to bolster their bottom-six forward group. It will be interesting to see what San Jose can fetch in return for the veteran forward as they continue their rebuild.
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