Trade Target Number One: F Barclay Goodrow
Among the players I’d like to see Fletcher acquire before the 3 pm EST deadline on Monday, Barclay Goodrow is one of the more intriguing options. The San Jose Sharks forward checks nearly all of the boxes in what I’d be looking for if I were GM of the Flyers, possessing the capability to positively contribute in the offensive and defensive zones, as well as on the penalty kill.
Goodrow’s been one of the lone bright spots in what’s been a disaster of a year for San Jose, building a career season offensively with 24 points in 61 games. He’s adequately capitalized on a near five-minute increase in average Time on Ice (TOI), putting himself on pace for just under 32 points if he plays in all 82 games, which would be the highest of his NHL tenure. Goodrow also isn’t afraid to shoot the puck, as he’s on track for well-over 100 shots this year, and, on a Flyers team that’s full of gifted playmakers, would be a solid fit on a line with anybody.
Defensively, Goodrow’s been a critical piece on the Sharks shorthanded unit, averaging 2:29 minutes of TOI while down a man. That ranks first among all forwards on the team and fourth overall, which shows the amount of trust San Jose’s coaching staff has in his abilities in covering his own end. Additionally, Goodrow’s physical play-style and 6’2 frame help him win board battles and has the hustle that makes him a willing participant in the fore-and-backcheck.
The only question regarding Goodrow is if San Jose will want to move him. Sure, the Sharks are bad this year, sitting at the bottom of the Western Conference, but that doesn’t mean they have to blow everything up and start from scratch, especially with games left in the campaign. Goodrow himself is also only 26, has another year left on his contract at a 925k per, can play either center or wing, and possesses a skill set that most teams love to have in their Bottom-6 and Top-9. That’s a valuable piece for any squad. However, if the Sharks were to deal Goodrow, he’d likely fetch a decent return, but one that could be worth it for the Flyers.