With the Rangers looking to clear cap space this offseason, Barclay Goodrow was viewed as one of the players on the chopping block, but his partial no-move list helped limit the potential suitors.
That’s exactly why the veteran center was said to be annoyed by the organization’s under-the-table agreement with the Sharks to have him scooped off waivers, taking the remainder of his contract off the books.
Goodrow spent the first few seasons of his career playing in San Jose, but his 15-team list included those he viewed as “non-contenders,” and the rebuilding club certainly would fit into that category.
Now that training camp is officially here, though, the 31-year-old tells reporters that he’s ready to leave all of the offseason drama in the past and he’s focused on preparing for this season.
“Whatever happened in the summer will stay in the summer,” he said at Sharks camp. “I have a lot of different opinions on what happened, but I’ll choose to keep those to myself. I’m excited to be here and excited to get things started.”
Goodrow is one of several veterans the Sharks added this offseason with hopes of them helping smoothen out the transition to the pro ranks for some of their young talent, such as last year’s first overall pick Macklin Celebrini.
The two-time Stanley Cup champion has already been named an alternate captain by GM Chris Grier, like he was with the Rangers, so it’s a role he’s looking forward to embracing.
“It’s good to be in a spot where you’re wanted,” he said. “I’ve been leader the last few years, so it’s another exciting chapter to come here and to be counted on to be a leader and someone the younger guys can come to.”
While expectations are much lower going from last seasons Presidents’ Trophy winner to the leagues worst team, Goodrow says he’s ready to take on the challenge of helping get things trending back in the right direction.
“Coming here brings back a lot of good memories,” he said. “Obviously things haven’t gone as well as everyone had hoped the last few years. It’s time to turn things around and to kind of get back to a place where it was when I first came here.”
