Barclay Goodrow isn’t keen to discuss the situation.
After the San Jose Sharks picked up Goodrow off waivers from the New York Rangers in June, bypassing his 15-team no-trade clause, rumors surfaced that he was “unhappy with how things unfolded.”
During his first media appearance since the move, Goodrow opted not to delve into his feelings about leaving the Rangers.
“Whatever happened in the summer will stay in the summer,” he remarked.
Barclay Goodrow did share his enthusiasm about joining the San Jose Sharks, an up-and-coming team.
“I haven’t had any issues with him or doubted that he’s fully committed and excited to be here,” said Sharks GM Mike Grier. “He’s a true professional, and I know he has great memories here. As an athlete, moving your family or adjusting to a new situation can be a shock, and I think that played a role. But every conversation I’ve had with him gives me the sense that he’s excited to be part of this.”
Goodrow also reflected on his conversation with Will Smith about the 2019 playoffs and addressed how some of the reports from the summer were exaggerated.
On the summer situation, Goodrow commented:
“I think whatever happened in the summer will stay in the summer. I have plenty of opinions on it, but I’ll keep those to myself. I’m just excited to be here and to get things started.”
When asked why he’s excited to join a rebuilding team like the Sharks, he said:
“It’s a new challenge. Obviously, things haven’t gone as well as anyone hoped the past few years. It’s time to turn things around and get back to where the team was when I first got here.”
Goodrow also shared his memories of playing at SAP Center:
“It’s incredible. Smitty asked me yesterday about Game Seven against Vegas. I told him it was the loudest arena I’ve ever been in. When the team is competitive and playing well, it’s an amazing place to play.”
As for lingering resentment about his departure from the Rangers, Goodrow declined to elaborate, saying simply:
“I prefer not to say.”
When asked about moving on from the situation, Goodrow downplayed the drama:
“I think the media blew it up more than what was really going on. Just because I didn’t talk to you guys doesn’t mean I was struggling with anything. I was just enjoying my summer.”
