There have been lots of questions in the last week about whether goaltender Aaron Dell will turn pro or whether he will return for his senior season.
I haven’t been able to get in touch with Dell to get any updates directly from him, but as was reported back in April, expect that he will sign and turn pro.
I don’t know what is taking so long, nor do I know which teams are in on Dell, but the situation remains the same as April: Dell will almost surely be playing pro hockey next year while freshman Zane Gothberg and junior transfer Clarke Saunders compete for the No. 1 job at UND.
Gothberg is the reigning USHL goaltender of the year and Saunders led the nation last year in saves per game at Alabama-Huntsville.
Dell holds UND’s record for wins in a season with 30.
If I hear more details, I’ll pass them along, but that’s the update for now.
My guess Edmonton.. they’re lacking goaltender depth..
Would have some great depth at goaltending if Dell stays. Cant wait for this season to start! GO SIOUX!
He has no where to go this year. Unless he wants to try out for an ECHL or a SPHL team for $300 a week.
Hoping you’ll come back Aaron!
Comon’ Dell, Do the right thing and return for a shot at the National Title here at UND!!!!! If not, please sign with Montreal
If Dell doesn’t sign with the Habs, whose goalie prospect camp, I believe, he recently attended, what chance would exist for him to sign with any other pro team who didn’t invite him? Maybe he did attend other camps this summer. Holding my breath!
I’m wondering if other teams may scout development camps such as the Habs’ goaltending camp for those players who were invited to camp but are not drafted by the hosting team nor signed to any contract with the hosting team?
Not sure if it is allowed but if it is, if a team like Edmonton could send a scout to check out Dell at the Habs Development Camp.
Probably untrue but worth pondering.
At this late in the summer, with no pro deal in place, Mr. Dell should return to UND for his Senior year. If he does sign a pro deal, he most likely will not be playing in the NHL and I am pretty sure playing in the NHL is his ultimate goal. If he returns to UND, he has the potential to lead UND deep into the playoffs and possibly win a national title. A solid Senior year could greatly increase Mr. Dell’s chances of signing a more lucrative pro deal. What would you rather do, a) play in the AHL (or perhaps play in a lower pro league) or b) play at UND for your Senior season?
Ugghhh it is so clear. Once Saunders and Gothberg are here, Dell is out. Duh.
I agree. Mr. Dell is probably leaving, however I believe Mr. Dell should return for his Senior year.
It certainly would hurt him greatly marketability-wise to come back and then lose his starting job (ALWAYS a possibility, given the caliber of recruits the Sioux bring in). Just ask Mr Eidsness (a great goalie as well)…..
Just ask Aaron Dell last year, when Eidness replaced him regularly. He is very likely not going to be offered a pro contract (he was competing with 5 other goalies at the Habs camp…no offer yet…Habs already have three goalies), which leaves him two options, maybe an AHL or lower contract or returning to the UND to prove he can play both Friday/Saturday nights and help the UND compete for the MacNaughton and the NC. This extra year of development may allow him to get that pro contract in a year. The UND is his best choice at this time. Like Heaven, the NHL can wait! The decision is fast approaching. Unless there is no decision, he just resumes his spot on the roster. Maybe someone can check to see if he is enrolled at UND this fall? He has until Aug 20 to register for classes, I believe.
If he DOES return, the Sioux may have the strongest goaltending triumverate in the history of college hockey. Cant think of three better blue-chippers on the same roster…..