Dylan Gambrell Bio
Dylan Gambrell is an American professional ice hockey center who currently plays for the Iowa Wild in the American Hockey League (AHL). Born on August 26, 1996, in Bonney Lake, Washington, he was selected 60th overall by the San Jose Sharks in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft. He has played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the San Jose Sharks and the Ottawa Senators, and has spent extensive time developing in the AHL with the San Jose Barracuda, Toronto Marlies, and Cleveland Monsters.
Standing 6 feet 0 inches tall and weighing 185 pounds, Gambrell shoots right-handed and is recognized for his two-way responsibility and penalty-killing reliability. His professional journey has included stints on entry-level contracts, one-year extensions, and a transition through multiple organizations as a depth forward and AHL contributor.
Early Life and Background
Dylan Gambrell was born on August 26, 1996, in Bonney Lake, Washington, a small city in the Puget Sound region south of Seattle. He grew up in nearby Kent, Washington, where he began playing organized youth hockey through the Kent Valley Hockey Association. His introduction to the sport was shaped by his father, who had a background in roller hockey, an influence that helped Dylan develop a comfort with the puck at a young age.
To accelerate his development and prepare for a possible collegiate hockey path, Gambrell made the significant decision at age 14 to leave Washington and move to Colorado. There, he joined the Colorado Thunderbirds of the Tier 1 Elite Hockey League (T1EHL) at the under-16 level, a move that exposed him to higher-caliber competition and elite coaching. The relocation marked the beginning of his trajectory toward professional hockey.
Path to Hockey
Gambrell’s progression through the United States Hockey League (USHL) began when he was selected 11th overall in the 2012 USHL Futures Draft by the Dubuque Fighting Saints. He played three seasons with the Fighting Saints, helping the team capture the USHL Clark Cup championship in 2013. That title provided an early taste of competitive success and reinforced his standing as a top collegiate prospect.
Following his USHL tenure, Gambrell began his collegiate career with the University of Denver in the National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC) during the 2015–16 season. He was named to the NCHC All-Rookie Team at the conclusion of his freshman year, an honor that underscored his offensive instincts and playmaking ability. Despite being selected 60th overall by the San Jose Sharks in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft, Gambrell chose to return to Denver for his junior year, a decision that allowed him to refine his game before turning professional.
Dylan Gambrell Career
Early Career (2013–2018)
Gambrell’s most formative pre-professional years were spent in Dubuque and Denver. After winning the Clark Cup with the Fighting Saints in 2013, he spent three seasons developing within the USHL program. His transition to the University of Denver brought a higher level of competition and visibility, and his selection to the NCHC All-Rookie Team confirmed his readiness for the next stage.
As a junior at Denver, Gambrell placed third in team scoring with 43 points in 41 games during the 2017–18 season. On March 26, 2018, he concluded his collegiate career by signing a two-year, entry-level contract with the San Jose Sharks. He was immediately added to the NHL roster and made his league debut on April 3, 2018, in a 4–2 loss to the Dallas Stars, appearing in three scoreless games to close the regular season.
San Jose Sharks Era (2018–2021)
Gambrell’s first full professional season came in 2018–19. He began the year with the Sharks’ AHL affiliate, the San Jose Barracuda, before being recalled five days into the season following an injury to Joe Thornton. He spent the majority of the campaign with the Barracuda, recording 20 goals and 45 points in 51 games, while also appearing in eight NHL games with San Jose.
He was thrust into a high-stakes role during the 2019 Western Conference Finals, inserted into the lineup for Game 6 after Joe Pavelski was injured in Game 5. Gambrell scored his first NHL goal against the St. Louis Blues in that contest, though the Sharks were ultimately eliminated. On July 11, 2019, he was re-signed by San Jose to a two-year contract. In 2019–20, he appeared in 50 NHL games, scoring five goals and 11 points, and in 2020–21 he added five goals and 12 points in 49 games while leading San Jose’s forwards in ice time on the penalty kill.
Ottawa Senators Era (2021–2023)
On October 9, 2021, Gambrell was placed on waivers after losing a training-camp roster battle to Jasper Weatherby. After going unclaimed, he was assigned to the San Jose Barracuda, but on October 24, 2021, he was traded to the Ottawa Senators in exchange for a 2022 seventh-round pick. The Senators acquired him to provide depth at center following a series of injuries.
Gambrell finished the 2021–22 season with Ottawa, registering three goals and seven points in 63 games. On June 15, 2022, he signed a one-year extension with the club. During the 2022–23 season, he appeared in 60 games, scoring four goals and 10 points, solidifying his role as a reliable depth forward.
Toronto Maple Leafs and Toronto Marlies Era (2023–2024)
On July 3, 2023, Gambrell signed a one-year, $775,000 contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs as a free agent. After attending training camp, he was placed on waivers on October 8 and, going unclaimed, was assigned to the Maple Leafs’ AHL affiliate, the Toronto Marlies. He remained with the Marlies for the entire 2023–24 regular season, posting 36 points in 66 games, and added one goal in three games during the 2024 Calder Cup playoffs.
Columbus Blue Jackets and Cleveland Monsters Era (2024–Present)
On July 2, 2024, Gambrell signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets as a free agent, joining his fourth NHL organization. After clearing waivers, he was assigned to the Blue Jackets’ AHL affiliate, the Cleveland Monsters, for the 2024–25 season. He currently plays for the Iowa Wild, continuing his role as a dependable AHL center.
Driving Style and Strengths
Gambrell is regarded as a responsible two-way center whose primary strengths lie in faceoffs, penalty killing, and defensive-zone coverage. During the 2020–21 season, he led San Jose’s forwards in ice time on the penalty kill, a testament to his coaches’ trust in his reliability in shorthanded situations. His right-handed shot and 6-foot frame allow him to play a sturdy, positionally sound game at both ends of the ice.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of the defining moments of Gambrell’s career came during Game 6 of the 2019 Western Conference Finals, when he was unexpectedly inserted into the Sharks’ lineup after an injury to Joe Pavelski and scored his first NHL goal against the St. Louis Blues. Earlier, he had won the USHL Clark Cup with the Dubuque Fighting Saints in 2013 and was named to the NCHC All-Rookie Team in his first year at the University of Denver.
Dylan Gambrell Career Wins
Dylan Gambrell’s professional record reflects steady contributions rather than headline-grabbing totals. His most notable team achievement came at the junior level with the 2013 USHL Clark Cup, while his individual milestones include his first NHL goal during the 2019 playoffs and a penalty-killing leadership role with the San Jose Sharks.
USHL and Collegiate Highlights
With the Dubuque Fighting Saints, Gambrell was part of the 2013 Clark Cup championship team and played three seasons in the USHL. At the University of Denver, he was named to the NCHC All-Rookie Team following the 2015–16 season and finished his junior year third in team scoring with 43 points in 41 games.
Professional Highlights
In the AHL, Gambrell posted 20 goals and 45 points in 51 games with the San Jose Barracuda in 2018–19, and 36 points in 66 games with the Toronto Marlies in 2023–24. At the NHL level, he has registered regular-season totals with both the Sharks and Senators, and scored his first career playoff goal during the 2019 Western Conference Finals.
Dylan Gambrell Family
Family Background and Hockey Lineage
Dylan Gambrell grew up in a family with strong ties to hockey, particularly through his father, who had a background in roller hockey. That connection influenced Dylan’s introduction to the sport through the Kent Valley Hockey Association in Kent, Washington. The family’s support played a key role in his decision to relocate to Colorado at age 14 to pursue higher-level competition.
Personal Life
Details about Dylan Gambrell’s personal life, including marital status and family, are not publicly confirmed. He is known to have been born and raised in Washington State, and he continues his professional hockey career in the American Hockey League.
2025 Season Performance
Heading into the 2025 season, Dylan Gambrell is positioned within the Columbus Blue Jackets organization, having signed a one-year, two-way contract on July 2, 2024. After clearing waivers, he was assigned to the Cleveland Monsters for the 2024–25 AHL campaign, where he provides experienced center depth and a veteran presence. His role continues to emphasize penalty killing, faceoff reliability, and defensive responsibility.
As a player who has navigated four NHL organizations, Gambrell’s value lies in his adaptability and professionalism. The 2025 season offers an opportunity to contribute steadily at the AHL level while remaining available for NHL call-up. His consistent production in the American Hockey League, combined with his track record of handling increased responsibility, makes him a dependable depth option.
Looking ahead, Gambrell’s experience in multiple systems and his two-way reliability position him as a stabilizing presence for any organization he joins. Whether continuing in a depth role or earning another NHL opportunity, his professional approach and work ethic remain his defining traits as he progresses through his career.
