San Jose Sharks: 5 free-agent forwards that can replace Barclay Goodrow
By Matt Hawkins
The San Jose Sharks have several holes that need to be filled, including the one created when they traded away forward Barclay Goodrow. So, how can they fill this need?
On February 24th, the San Jose Sharks traded 27-year-old forward Barclay Goodrow and a 2020 third-round pick to the Tampa Bay Lightning for forward Anthony Greco and a 2020 first-round pick.
This move was quite a shock to the Sharks’ fanbase as Goodrow was a fan-favorite and emerging as a solid defensive forward after being signed as an undrafted free agent out of the OHL.
It was even more surprising that the Sharks were able to get a first-rounder in this trade. Until this season, Goodrow was a bottom-six forward averaging around just 11 minutes of ice-time per game.
But with the departure of center Joe Pavelski, Goodrow’s ice-time shot up to over 16 minutes per game, gaining more responsibility in the top-six and on the penalty kill. With the extra ice-time, Goodrow was able to set career-bests in goals (8), assists (16), and points (24) in 62 games with the Sharks.
After being traded to the Bolts, Goodrow’s ice-time dropped down to just 12:27 per game due to being on an overall stacked team. In eight games with the Lightning, Goodrow recorded just two assists.
Just looking at his offensive production over his career, you wouldn’t think there is much value in Goodrow. However, he’s a solid defensive forward that can play in the wing or at center.
His career faceoff percentage (FO%) is a 52.3 and played the most minutes in the penalty kill of the Sharks’ forwards (150:31) up until he was traded.
With Tampa aiming to become a more balanced team this season after getting swept last postseason in the first round, it’s a little less surprising that they would give up a first-round pick for a player like Goodrow.
However, the Sharks — who were already thin at center before trading Goodrow — are now even thinner at center. One way the team could fill the hole of a defensively sound center that the trade of Goodrow left open is free agency.
Let’s take a look at five pending free agents that could replace Barclay Goodrow.