SAN JOSE — Backup goalie Aaron Dell signed a two-year contract extension with the Sharks Wednesday, general manager Doug Wilson announced on a Facebook live session with radio broadcaster Dan Rusanowsky.
The extension ensures that Dell, who was slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, will not test the free agent market this summer, solidifying the Sharks backup goaltending for two more years.
The two-year deal is worth $3.8 million with a $1.9 million annual salary cap hit.
“It’s great to have some security for the next couple of years,” Dell said. “It’s exciting. It’s my first one-way contract in the NHL.”
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In 45 career appearances, Dell has recorded a .920 save percentage and a 2.39 goals-against average. He’s 14-5 with a .912 save percentage and a 2.71 goals-against average in 25 appearances this season.
Head coach Pete DeBoer said that re-signing Dell was critical as he performs a key role on squad, backing up No. 1 goalie Martin Jones.
“He’s been a big part of what we’re doing here,” the Sharks coach said. “I’ve come to appreciate the Western Conference, particularly San Jose’s travel. I’ve come realize that we need two A-(caliber) goaltenders in order to survive a season and compete in this situation.
“We’ve had that here and that’s a key reason why we’ve been able to keep our head above water.”
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Earlier in the season, Dell seemed poised to leave the Sharks in free agency or through a trade. Every year, teams in need of goaltending chase after the top backups on the market and Dell appeared to fit the bill having posted a .929 save percentage over his first 40 NHL appearances.
But his numbers started a natural regression toward the mean after he filled in for Jones in late-January while a lower-body injury sidelined the Sharks No. 1 goalie for four starts. Over his last six appearances, Dell has posted an .885 save percentage, which likely lowered the demand for his services heading toward the NHL’s Feb. 26 trade deadline.
Dell’s recent slump wound up being a blessing in disguise for the Sharks, making it more affordable for the team to sign him to a contract extension.
“You always want what’s best for the players. If he could get something that sets himself up for life, you never want to wish a guy doesn’t get that,” DeBoer said. “Selfishly, we love him around here and we appreciate him. I’m just glad it worked out.
“I still think he might be that guy (a No. 1 goalie). I think he has that type of upside.”
The 28-year-old goalie said his decision to re-sign with the Sharks, who have Jones under contract through the 2023-24 season, isn’t closing the door on the possibility that he could be a No.1 goalie down the road. The backup goalie tried to avoid getting swept up in trade rumors as his stock soared earlier in the season.
“It’s still early in my career. I need to get some more experience and go from there,” Dell said. “I wasn’t really thinking about that stuff too much. I was just taking it day by day, seeing what happens. I like it here. It’s a great group of guys. I like coming to the rink every day. I just take things as they come in general.”
Dell said loyalty factored into his decision to stay with the Sharks for two more years. When Dell re-signed with the Sharks for two years on July 1, 2016 following a breakthrough season with the AHL Barracuda, the team promised him an opportunity to play and delivered.
“They’ve always treated me well here,” Dell said. “I like the way that Doug (Wilson) and Pete (DeBoer) run the organization. It’s a family and you want to battle for the guy next to you. Some teams don’t have that. It’s why this team has been successful for so many years.”
