Barclay Goodrow is as advertised for the New York Rangers

During the New York Rangers game against the Dallas Stars, Alexis Lafrenière was taken off the first line and replaced with Barclay Goodrow for a few shifts.

It was temporary, but a sign of things to come, especially if Gerard Gallant feels his team needs a spark.

Barclay Goodrow living up to his reputation in the early going

Barclay Goodrow started his career as a sparingly used 4th liner. He finally earned a full-time role at the age of 25, getting into all 82 games for the Sharks. Playing a hard-nosed style he put up 17 points while being a key face-off man winning 53.7% of his draws. More importantly he was physical, racking up 125 hits and 68 blocks.

Those efforts didn’t go unnoticed as the Tampa Bay Lightning identified him at the 2019-20 trade deadline and made sure to pry him from San Jose. GM Julien Brisebois valued what Goodrow could do so highly he sent a first round pick and Anthony Greco to get him.

It paid off.

Goodrow played a key role for Tampa as they won back-to-back Stanley Cups. It was later revealed that the gritty forward played much of the last playoffs with a broken hand. Yet he was out there, blocking shots, and killing key minutes late in games.

So just like BriseBois before him, Chris Drury saw the same things and knew he had to have him.

When the Lightning GM sent out a text to the league that Goodrow’s rights were available, Drury jumped on it. He sent over a 7th round pick and signed the 28 year-old to a six-year deal with a $3.6M AAV.

Since joining the Blueshirts, Goodrow is as advertised. He’s been physical with 5 hits and a takeaway through two games. Although he has no points yet, he was instrumental on the Rangers second goal against Dallas to tie the game.

It’s something his coach noticed.

Expect Goodrow to be moved around the lineup