Breaking News: Barclay Goodrow Might Be a Good Fit for the Leafs
Barclay Goodrow was placed on waivers by the New York Rangers yesterday, in anticipation of a buyout after he
clears out today. The forward’s productivity had drastically decreased to 12 points during the regular season, and he
was in the third year of a six-year contract with a $3.641 million cap charge. Despite his defensive effect and six
goals and eight points in 16 postseason games, the Rangers decided to fold their tent. The six-year buyout will be
funded by New York at a cost of $1.1 million. Is Goodrow a component of Toronto’s solution?
How Goodrow Won His 6-Year Contract
Goodrow suffered as a result of the Tampa Bay Lightning’s cap crisis following the team’s consecutive Stanley Cup victories. General manager Julien BriseBois of Tampa Bay surrendered the player’s rights to the Rangers, who were able to sign him before he had a chance to test the market, knowing that he couldn’t afford to retain him on the books.
Goodrow had played in the NHL for eight seasons at that point, and his career high point total was just 24. Though he led the Lightning in hits with 111 in the regular season, it was on the other side of the puck that he had the greater influence, both at equal strength and on the penalty kill. He signed a six-season contract with the Rangers, which upped his average income annually by $2.7 million.
Goodrow did not have a very impressive point total, but more importantly, he had lots of defensive upside and the experience necessary to win the Stanley Cup. He was the kind of player who does best in the postseason when the competition is more intense.
How The Rangers’ Experience Went
Goodrow did rather well in the first two years of his new contract, surpassing both the 30-point and 10-goal thresholds. He wasn’t as well-known in the playoffs as he previously was, though. A lower-body ailment kept him out of nine games during his first postseason in New York, and he only managed one assist as the Rangers lost to the Lightning in the Eastern Conference Final.
He participated in every game during his second postseason with the Rangers, but the New York team lost to the New Jersey Devils in the opening round of the playoffs. Given that the team’s general manager, Chris Drury, had strengthened his roster for the spring tournament by acquiring Patrick Kane and Vladimir Tarasenko ahead of schedule, this was an especially disheartening defeat.
Ultimately, Goodrow’s point output dropped this season, and he barely had a role in the Rangers’ success. Drury was prepared to make some changes following the Rangers’ conference final demise, despite Goodrow’s improved postseason play. He couldn’t afford to wait and see if Goodrow had simply had a bad season.
What Does Goodrow’s Future Hold?
It’s a little early to retire at 31. Goodrow has already won two Stanley Cups, but perhaps he should do a Corey Perry and sign a one-year contract at the league minimum to play for a legitimate contender. The Toronto Maple Leafs can help with that. Following yet another seven-game playoff elimination, the Maple Leafs’ management announced that adjustments would be made.
Toronto was also among the weakest teams in the playoffs with a 64.7% success record on the penalty kill among the 16 participating teams. With a 76.9% success rate, they finished 23rd in the regular season as well. In the meantime, the Rangers, who had Goodrow on their penalty-killing unit, finished third in the league (84.5%) during the regular season and fifth (84.2%) during the postseason. This is an area in need of improvement, and bringing Goodrow on board with a deal that benefits the team could help get there.
Along with his physicality, Goodrow’s defensive skills might be quite useful. He has a history of hitting big hits on the sometimes-considered “soft” Toronto side. It’s also possible that despite having a poor season, he can yet improve and find his scoring form.
Although it wouldn’t be a spectacular signing and the fans wouldn’t care, it would be inexpensive and fill a pressing need. It’s possible that he’ll get several offers and choose one to accept. The sooner the Maple Leafs get in touch if that’s the case, the better.
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