The Toronto Maple Leafs have signed goaltender Aaron Dell of Airdrie, Alberta to a one year contract worth $800,000 according to Pro Hockey Rumors. Dell will be joining his second National Hockey League team as he played his first four seasons with the San Jose Sharks.
Dell posted a record of 12 wins, 15 regulation losses and three losses in extra time. He had a goals against average of 3.01 and a save percentage of .907.
In Toronto, one would assume that Dell would back up starter Frederik Andersen. However, one must also realize that Jack Campbell, who the Maple Leafs acquired at the trade deadline in the Kyle Clifford deal is also in the mix. Clifford, a native of Ayr, Ontario, has since joined the St. Louis Blues in free agency.
All of a sudden, the Maple Leafs have an influx of goaltenders. It is very possible at this time that the Maple Leafs decide to trade either Dell or Campbell before the season starts for depth at centre, defence or wing. One team that drastically needs goaltending help are the Edmonton Oilers who have the inconsistent Mike Smith currently backing up Mikko Koskinen. The fact that Smith is set to make $700,000 more this season than Dell is mind boggling.
