New York Rangers making progress on new deal for Barclay Goodrow; “He’s a guy that we targeted”
Anthony Scultore
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After the season ended for the Rangers, new President and General Manager Chris Drury made it clear he wanted to get tougher.
“It’s hard not to watch these playoffs and notice the physicality, the energy, the effort and the intensity it takes to win and to succeed,” he said. “We’re certainly going to need to play that way to have success in the regular season and in the playoffs.”
Rangers acquire Barclay Goodrow
On Saturday, the Rangers gave up a 7th round pick in 2022 to get early negotiation rights to Barclay Goodrow. “He’s a guy that we targeted and obviously went out and made a deal with Tampa early to get a jump on it,” Drury said today via NHL.com.
This move was foreshadowed by comments Drury made when he introduced new head coach Gerard Gallant. “We’re always looking at ways to improve the lineup, to add different pieces, just like every team in the league, and every team in the league is watching these playoffs,” he answered to a question about last season’s roster. “You know we all want harder players to play against and we’re no different.”
By acquiring the 28 year-old Goodrow that mission was accomplished. The 6-2 forward skated in 55 games with Tampa Bay last season, picking up six goals and 20 points, along with a plus-16 rating and 52 penalty minutes. He also notched six points in 18 playoff games while helping the Lightning win the Stanley Cup for a second straight time.
“I think he’s pretty versatile,” Drury said about his new acquisition. “I could see him do all different things for Gerard, whether that’s more time in the middle, whether it’s face-offs in the d-zone. But we think he’s got a pretty complete game. He’s going be able to help a lot of different areas.”
Rangers and Goodrow close to a new deal
It was first reported by David Pagnotta and Chris Johnston, that the New York Rangers were making progress on a contract for Barclay Goodrow. Earlier today, Frank Seravalli stated that once the moratorium is lifted, a 6 year-deal in the range of $3.6 million will be announced.
“We’ve talked,” Chris Drury said when asked about Goodrow contract. “We’re making progress but nothing to report now. But I don’t anticipate any issues getting him under contract.”
