Rangers Report Cards: Grading the Right-Wingers

Rangers Report Cards: Barclay Goodrow: B (A-)

Goodrow had 11 goals and 31 points, just a hair behind his best from last year when he had 32. It’s been one of those “Blink, and you miss it” stories on the Rangers’ roster. Goodrow’s been a ninja in the depth role, proving he’s got some severe value even among the big shots.

Yet let’s face it, scoring goals isn’t exactly his superpower. It’s like trying to make a snowman in August – not his strong suit. And hey, that’s a common theme with these fourth-line veteran players.

That said, it’s time we address the elephant in the room.
That contract – it’s like wearing ski boots to the beach. Yeah, it might not be the best fit for the role the Rangers expected Goodrow to play. Yet don’t throw all the tomatoes at him just yet. Goodrow was brought in to add stability to the bottom six and sprinkle leadership magic in the locker room. He’s hit career highs in offense the past couple of seasons, although it’s like playing chess with a checkers strategy.

Here’s the curveball: his two-way play hasn’t been as snappy as a slapshot since he joined the Rangers. Back in Tampa, he was like a wizard on the ice, with a 55% shot share and a 57% expected-goals share according to natural stat trick. It hasn’t improved in the Big Apple, not even crossing the 46% mark in either of those stats.

Maybe it’s because he got caught up in the top-six tornado, which is not precisely his groove. Or it could be the Rangers’ depth dilemma that’s got him in a pickle. Either way, he’s stuck between a rock and a hard place.

However, remember why he was brought in – to be the Mr. Reliable in the bottom six and sprinkle some leadership potion. And that’s what he’s being graded on. Leadership can be like trying to catch smoke with your hands, and even though his three-zone play might be fading a bit, his offensive output throws a little sparkle into the mix.

Yeah, there were a bunch of question marks when he inked that contract for $3,641,667 against the cap, which still has four years remaining and a no-trade clause on it.
However, if. Goodrow can help sprinkle some stardust and restore the glory of the New York Rangers by assisting them to win a Stanley Cup; those questions might float away like a snowflake in the wind.