The Blue Jackets add Veteran Aaron Dell and defenseman Nicolas Meloche on Professional Tryouts.
The Blue Jackets have added a pair of players via the Professional Tryout route on Wednesday.
Veteran goalie Aaron Dell, who has 130 games of NHL experience was signed. Dell is 50-50-13 in his 7-year career with a GAA of 2.92 and a save % of .905. He has spent time with the San Jose Sharks, New Jersey Devils and Buffalo Sabres. This could be a valuable pick-up for the Jackets, as they need a third goalie in the system. They need someone with NHL experience, and in this case, Dell also has 133 games of experience in the AHL, so this could end up being good for both the Jackets and Dell. He also brings a little bit of grit, as in 2022 he was suspended for hitting Ottawa Senators Drake Batherson.
Also added was 26-year-old Nicolas Meloche, who hails from LaSalle, Quebec. The young defenseman has 57 games of NHL experience, scoring two goals and 8 points. He spent last season with the Calgary Wranglers of the AHL and has 21 points.
The Jackets don’t need defensemen, but what they do need is players for camp. Of the two, Dell could very well be signed, and should be very serviceable for the CBJ.