Toronto has added some depth between the pipes, announcing the signing of goaltender Aaron Dell to a one-year deal. The contract is worth $800K.
The 31-year-old made a strong first impression in his rookie NHL year back in 2016-17 when he posted a .931 SV% in 20 games with San Jose. At that time, Dell looked like their possible starter of the future but he hasn’t come close to duplicating that type of success since then.
Last season, he made 30 starts for the Sharks with Martin Jones struggling and while both goalies had near-identical goals against averages (3.00 for Jones, 3.01 for Dell), Dell had the better save percentage by a decent-sized margin (.907 to .896). Accordingly, it looked like he’d have at least a chance at landing a backup spot in the NHL.
That won’t be the case with the Maple Leafs, however, as Frederik Andersen and Jack Campbell are set as their tandem between the pipes. Instead, Dell will likely begin next season as the starter with the Marlies, their AHL affiliate; that void was created when Kasimir Kaskisuo opted to sign with Nashville earlier today. Assuming he does wind up there, it’ll be his first AHL action since 2016-17.
With 107 career NHL appearances under his belt, Dell gives Toronto a strong insurance policy if one of Andersen or Campbell goes down and if that doesn’t happen, he should be one of the better starters at the minor league level. The Maple Leafs had to pay a bit of a higher price in that it’s a one-way deal but at that cap hit if he’s needed with the big club, it’s a price that is certainly worth paying.
This could of been a good pick up for the Blackhawks if they were looking but I don’t think they are… Going with what they have I seen on line somewhere.. Pretty good goalie…
Dubas goes 1.5 years without a real backup goalie and now has 2 for this year aha.
Hutchinson started a playoff game…
not with Toronto he didnt
and only after both goalies were hurt
Now get Martin Jones! He sucks at being number 1 goalie for SJ as well
So the leafs sign a guy who has to clear waivers if he’s needed who many other teams would likely claim for the 800k. Hell, many teams might claim him just to screw over the leafs.
In the current economic climate there is no chance that happens. That is exactly why they signed him to a one way contract.
Those “many teams” would then have to keep Dell on their NHL roster the entire season. You did realize that the team that claims him can’t send him to the minors right? Nor trade him.
In fact, if a team claims Dell, and then tries to send him to the minors, the Leafs could simply claim him back, and then send Dell to the AHL themselves, without needing to clear him through waivers again.
Dubas has no idea how to build a team. He should of been fired.
Dubas is doing a very good job and is the best GM the Leafs have had in nearly two decades.
Good pickup for the third string goalie. This gives the Leafs an actual NHL experienced backup option if Andersen or Campbell are out.