Former New York Ranger Barclay Goodrow set to join San Jose Sharks

FILE – New York Rangers center Barclay Goodrow (21) plays against the Detroit Red Wings in the first period of an NHL hockey game, Friday, April 5, 2024, in Detroit. The New York Rangers placed Goodrow on waivers as the first step in their offseason plan. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya, file)

SAN JOSE — San Jose Sharks general manager Mike Grier expects newly acquired forward Barclay Goodrow to be at the team’s training camp in September, although he said the veteran was probably still preparing for his abrupt and unceremonious departure from the New York Rangers last week.

“When you’re an athlete, even though it’s a job and a business, there’s definitely an emotional element to it,” Grier said Monday during a preliminary conference call with reporters. “And I think (Goodrow) and his family kind of realized the cruelty of the situation, and I think the disappointment of the situation.

“But I think he’s someone who will be excited to come back to San Jose and be a part of the group.”

As part of a salary cap decision, Goodrow was placed on waivers by the Rangers last Tuesday, something he reportedly didn’t know about until shortly before it happened. The next day, Goodrow was claimed by the Sharks, one of 15 teams he had on his no-trade list.

According to the New York Post, Goodrow’s teams on the no-trade list included teams in “undesirable locations” and non-competitors. Goodrow, a two-time Stanley Cup champion, has been on playoff teams for seven straight seasons, including last year when the Rangers advanced to the Eastern Conference finals.

He’s now part of the rebuilding Sharks, who aren’t expected to be playoff contenders anytime soon.

“From his perspective, I think he was probably shocked by the way things played out in New York. I know he enjoyed his time there,” Grier said Monday during his preliminary meeting with reporters.

“When you look at him from his perspective, since he left, he’s won two Cups and played in two conference finals. So I think it was just a little shock to the system and something that was emotionally difficult for him. But I think there’s some excitement to come back here and be part of the group.

Goodrow, 31, has three years remaining on the six-year, $21.85 million contract he signed with New York in 2021. His deal does not include a no-movement clause, which allowed the Rangers to place him on waivers.

The Sharks had the first chance to win Goodrow since finishing last in the overall standings in the NHL last season.

Goodrow’s deal carries an annual cap hit of $3.64 million, a salary that isn’t problematic for a Sharks team with tens of millions in cap space. Grier was looking for players with Goodrow’s qualities as a hard-nosed leader who could make defensive zone draws and kill penalties.

Grier said he spoke with Goodrow’s agent, Ian Pulver, to explain “what the plan was, what we’re looking to do here and how important it is to what we’re trying to accomplish and what we let’s try to do. build.”

Efforts to reach Pulver on Monday were not immediately successful.

Goodrow began his professional career with the Sharks 10 years ago and scored one of the biggest playoff goals in team history in 2019.

In overtime of Game 7 of San Jose’s first-round series against the Vegas Golden Knights, Goodrow received a pass from Erik Karlsson inside the blue line, skated toward the Vegas net and scored around from goaltender Marc-André Fleury to give the Sharks a series. – secure a 5-4 victory.