This thread before the San Jose update is proof positive that most hockey fans, even "smart" ones, have no idea how this league operates.
Goodrow doesn't have all that much time left on his deal. The AAV is bad for a bottom six player but it's not like, knee cap your franchise bad. Goodrow, while on the decline, is still a great leadership guy and absolutely fine on the third or fourth line of a basement dwelling team. San Jose knows and likes the player, and they need good locker room guys to develop the locker room culture and mentor/be a good example for all the high picks they have like Smith and Celebrini. By the time the Sharks are ready to be competitive again, Goodrow's deal will be long finished.
There is absolutely no downside to this for the Sharks.
"But why didn't they make a deal with the Rangers instead?"
Because there were 14 other teams on Goodrow's list, he's still perceived around the like as a hard nosed playoff performer, and if NYR have to start bartering to make a trade, San Jose is now in competition to get the player. This was the easiest way for all sides. Quick and painless.
But all you guys see is, "Player not good, AAV too high." This is not an $8m contract here, and this is not a player who certain teams don't think highly of. Nuff said.