In a surprising twist of events, Barclay Goodrow's 10-year NHL career has come full circle as he rejoins the team that gave him his start in the league. The San Jose Sharks claimed Goodrow off waivers from the New York Rangers on Wednesday, in a pre-arranged deal with San Jose's general manager, Mike Grier, who was previously a hockey operations adviser for the Rangers.

Goodrow, a two-time Stanley Cup winner, originally signed with the Sharks in March 2014 after five impressive seasons in the Ontario Hockey League. While he initially split his time between the NHL and AHL, Goodrow went on to play significant parts of six seasons with San Jose, even battling through injuries. In his 241 games with the Sharks, Goodrow recorded 28 goals and 48 assists.

The reunion between Goodrow and the Sharks makes perfect sense. San Jose is currently in a rebuilding phase and could benefit from the veteran leadership that Goodrow brings to the table. Additionally, with the team looking to make moves this offseason to reach the cap floor of $65 million by 2024-25, taking on Goodrow's contract helps them in that regard.

For Goodrow, this opportunity allows him to return to familiar territory and continue earning his annual salary of $3,641,667. The 31-year-old forward has also been in an influential role with the Rangers, serving as an alternate captain since he joined the team in 2021. Goodrow has not only contributed on the ice, recording impressive figures in the playoffs with six goals and two assists in 16 games, but has also played an important role in establishing a winning attitude and approach in the Rangers' locker room.

Meanwhile, the Rangers' president and general manager, Chris Drury, seems determined to shake things up after the team's recent disappointment in the conference finals. While Goodrow's playoff performances were clutch, his struggles to produce during the regular season may have influenced the decision to put him on waivers.

As Barclay Goodrow returns to the Sharks, the spotlight will be on him to provide the veteran leadership and production that San Jose desperately needs during their rebuilding phase. It remains to be seen how his return will impact both teams involved, but one thing is certain - Goodrow's journey in the NHL has come full circle, and he's ready for the next chapter.