Former 'Maple Leafs' Goaltender Announces Retirement After Brief NHL Career

Aaron Dell, best known for his goaltending duties for the San Jose Sharks, has officially announced his retirement from professional hockey after having spent 13 years in the ranks, including a minor stint with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Dell spent his junior career with the University of North Dakota between 2009 and 2012, however he went undrafted, and had to look elsewhere for playing time.

He split his time between the ECHL and AHL between 2012 and 2015, prominently featuring for the Worcester Sharks, the AHL affiliate of the San Jose Sharks, in 2014-15 and 2015-16.

After 2 solid campaigns, in which he totalled a save percentage near .925, Dell was given the green light to start his NHL career. He would spend the next 4 seasons between 2016 and 2020 with the Sharks, where he accumulated a 48-34-12 record with a 2.76 GAA and a .908 SV%.

Dell then joined the Leafs on a one-year contract in October of 2020, where he became a member of the team's taxi squad during the COVID-shortened season. However, his tenure was short-lived as he was placed on waivers in January, whereupon he was claimed by the New Jersey Devils.

Dell split his time from 2020 to 2025 between the NHL, AHL, and ECHL with the Devils, Sharks, Los Angeles Kings, and Buffalo Sabres. He wound up playing in 23 more NHL games with his final one coming during the 2022-23 season as a member of the Sharks.

While Dell didn't obtain any real awards or accolades in the NHL, he does hold the University of North Dakota record for most wins in a season, taking over from Stanley Cup champion and former Leaf Ed Belfour. He also holds the Worcester Sharks record for GAA and SV% in a season at 2.06 and .927, respectively.

The 36-year-old from Airdrie, Alberta was a consummate professional and made the best of his opportunities as an undrafted prospect.