Jan. 30: Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reports that Dell cleared waivers today. He will continue to serve his three-game suspension as a member of the Buffalo Sabres.
Jan. 29: The Sabres appear to be set to get Craig Anderson back tonight, lessening their need for goaltending depth. Accordingly, the team announced (Twitter link) that they’ve placed netminder Aaron Dell on waivers.
Dell was in the news earlier this week when he received a three-game suspension for his hit on Senators winger Drake Batherson. Two games still remain on that ban, one of which is tonight in Arizona. As long as he’s on the active roster and not moved to non-roster status, he still should get credit for serving the second game of his suspension even while being on waivers.
It has been a rough season on the ice as well for the 32-year-old as he has struggled mightily in his NHL action so far. He has played in a dozen games for Buffalo in 2021-22, recording just one victory while posting a 4.03 GAA and a save percentage of just .893. Those numbers are actually better than what he put up in seven games with New Jersey last season which is what led to him settling for a two-way deal worth the league minimum of $750K in the NHL and $350K in the minors.
Despite all that, there is still a chance that Dell is claimed. Several teams are dealing with injuries between the pipes at the moment and could view the veteran as a short-term stopgap to allow a prospect currently on recall to return to the minors. If that doesn’t happen, Buffalo could opt to immediately send Dell down or keep him on their roster through the weekend to clear the remainder of his suspension and then send him to the taxi squad or AHL Rochester.
They need two healthy goalie to play tonight’s game … wonder who will be the backup
I think Tokarski will be ready to go too as the backup. He’s been skating for a few days also.
Thanks for the info
waived while suspended…career killer for a tweener
An ideal backup on a strong club at a great price. NYR looking for sure.
BS and you know it
Last few games Dell has faced 40+ shots but still allowed 4+ goals. Not sure he is a improvement on anyone else that is out there.
Based on his stats this season, we should be surprised that Dell didn’t completely miss Batherson.
The human Bullseye
Penguins need goaltender depth
Not this badly.
I’ll take Phil Bourque over Dell.
Yeah, they could always sign Roberto Romano or Jean-Sebastien Aubin to PTOs …
Seems like being waived should count towards the suspension.
Dell is awful, so this might be his chance in the show.