Burning Questions For the 2025-26 Season: Barclay Goodrow

With the 2025-26 season now in sight, the plan is to address the burning questions surrounding every player on the roster (or competing for a roster spot). These questions are focused on how the player is expected to contribute to the Sharks this season and what their role will be.

Barclay Goodow
6'2" 209lbs
32 years old
undrafted

Last Season

77 games, 5 goals, 3 assists, 13:47 TOI

Barclay Goodrow was reacquired by the San Jose Sharks last offseason through some waiver wire shenanigans. Goodrow had trade protections with his contract with the New York Rangers; when asked to waive them to complete a trade to San Jose, he declined. Instead, the Rangers placed Goodrow on waivers, and the Sharks (who had first priority) claimed him.

With the Sharks, Goodrow played his bottom-six role, where he struggled to generate offense. When Goodrow was on the ice at 5v5, the Sharks scored 14 goals and gave up 51. His goals for percentage (GF%) was the second worst in the NHL among players with at least 250 minutes (Noah Gregor was at 19.44%). Goodrow led the Sharks' forwards in penalty kill minutes with 157 minutes and was solid in his effort.

Burning Question

How long can Goodrow fend off the future?

The Sharks have several young players who will be competing for Goodrow's role sooner rather than later. Ethan Cardwell has the makings of Goodrow's replacement. He has established himself as an ace penalty killer in the AHL and was utilized in the same role during his NHL stint. The Sharks acquired Zack Ostapchuk in the Fabian Zetterlund trade and will want him to see NHL action soon. Even Ty Dellandrea has proven to be a solid fourth-line center when he gets better wingers around him.

Goodrow is entering the fifth year of his six-year deal that pays him $3.64 million AAV. Maybe a team will be interested in Goodrow's PK ability and his strong locker-room presence, but at some point, what else he does on the ice matters. The Sharks have plenty of up-and-coming options at a much cheaper rate that have a higher upside.

Expectations

Expect Goodrow to do much of the same this year for San Jose. Hopefully, with an improved third line, it will take some pressure off of Goodrow to provide offense, and he can become a penalty kill specialist for the Sharks as they look to improve their woeful unit.

This will be Barclay Goodrow's last season in teal. Even if Goodrow isn't traded at the deadline this season, the Sharks should have options next summer to move Goodrow to a team that wants a veteran on their fourth line. Goodrow will have the final say in a trade, but for a player who played in the playoffs every year of his career until last year, he'll be itching to get back (Looking at you, Ken Holland). If there are no takers, the Sharks could look to buyout Goodrow next offseason to pave the way for younger talent.