A former Sharks goaltender has announced his retirement, as Aaron Dell has made the decision to hang up his skates.
Undrafted, Aaron Dell worked his way to the NHL the hard way, turning pro after 3 years at the University of North Dakota in 2013. Dell wouldn't receive an NHL contract until 2015 after a strong showing, splitting time between the ECHL and AHL in the Sharks system. After another year of strong play in the AHL, Dell won the backup job with the Sharks heading into the 2016 season. Posting a substantial 931% save percentage in 20 games, and showing starting potential. Dell followed it up with another strong season, posting a 914% over 29 games and actually getting the net for two playoff games.
Unfortunately for Dell, after resigning with the Sharks, the next two seasons would not go well for him. Despite Martin Jones' struggles in net, Dell did not prove much better when given the opportunity. And the Sharks opted to move on following the 2019-2020 season. Dell would spend the rest of his career bouncing around between the NHL and AHL, actually returning to San Jose on two occasions, mainly serving as an option for the Barracuda.
His 3rd stint in San Jose occurred this past season, splitting between the Barracuda and the Sharks' ECHL affiliate in Wichita, and serving as a veteran goaltender in a very young goaltending room.
Although Dell did not have the most illustrious career, he was still a good hockey player at times for the Sharks, and his willingness to return on multiple occasions, albeit in a reduced capacity, demonstrates his commitment to the Sharks and the community of San Jose. It will be interesting if Dell remains with the Sharks in some capacity in the future, but for now, congratulations to Aaron Dell and his family for a great career.