In a depth move, the LA Kings have signed 34-year-old goaltender Aaron Dell to an NHL contract for the remainder of 2023-24. His new deal reportedly carries a league minimum $775k AAV.
Originally signed to an AHL only contract back in early January, Dell has suited up for five games with the Ontario Reign this far, producing a 2-3-0 record with a .906 save percentage.
The Kings original motivation in adding Dell to the mix was two-fold. For starters, it gave them a veteran presence in the AHL after David Rittich was recalled to the Kings (following the loss of Pheonix Copley due to season ending knee surgery). Perhaps more importantly, if things worked out, it would give them another goalie option beyond rookie Erik Portillo should somebody else need to be summoned to Los Angeles at some point.
To be clear, this signing does not suggest a trade of either Cam Talbot or David Rittich is in the works. Signing Dell is a depth move.
Because of NHL roster rules, Dell was placed on waivers today after signing his new contract. Assuming he clears tomorrow at 11am (teams have 24 hours to put a claim in), he’ll be reassigned to AHL Ontario on Wednesday.
At 34 years old, Dell now officially joins the organization with 130 games of NHL experience. Last season he split time in San Jose, largely playing for their AHL franchise and only getting into four NHL games. With the Barracuda, he had an .898 save percentage. The year prior, Dell posted a .909 SV% in 22 AHL games. He also suited up in 12 contests for the Buffalo Sabres.
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