Dylan Wells Bio
Dylan Wells is a Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender who is currently playing with the Tucson Roadrunners in the American Hockey League (AHL). Born on January 3, 1998, in St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada, Wells began his junior hockey career with the Peterborough Petes in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). He was selected by the Edmonton Oilers in the fifth round, 123rd overall, during the 2016 NHL Entry Draft. After signing his entry-level contract with the Oilers on May 18, 2017, Wells has built a diverse professional career spanning multiple teams in both the AHL and ECHL. His journey includes notable stops with the Bakersfield Condors, Wichita Thunder, Chicago Wolves, Rockford IceHogs, and Chicago Blackhawks, where he made his highly anticipated NHL debut in November 2022. The experienced netminder most recently joined the Tucson Roadrunners organization in November 2023 and continues to compete at the highest minor-league level in North American hockey.
Early Life and Background
Dylan Wells was born on January 3, 1998, in St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada. Growing up in the Niagara Region of Ontario, Wells developed his passion for hockey at a young age like many Canadian children. His early development as a goaltender helped shape his future career trajectory in the sport. The Niagara Region has produced several notable hockey players, and Wells emerged as one of the promising goaltending prospects from the area during his minor hockey years.
Wells played his minor hockey in Ontario before advancing to the junior hockey level. His combination of size, athleticism, and hockey intelligence made him an attractive prospect for Ontario Hockey League teams. The 6-foot-2, 190-pound goaltender developed his technical skills and positional play during his formative years, laying the foundation for his professional career. His early exposure to competitive hockey in Ontario provided him with the necessary experience to transition smoothly into the higher levels of the sport.
Path to Professional Hockey
Wells began his junior hockey career with the Peterborough Petes of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). The OHL is widely recognized as one of the top junior hockey leagues in the world, serving as a primary development pipeline for NHL talent. Playing against high-caliber opponents night after night helped Wells refine his game and catch the attention of NHL scouts. His performances with the Petes showcased his potential as a professional goaltender.
His strong junior career led to Wells being selected by the Edmonton Oilers in the fifth round, 123rd overall, during the 2016 NHL Entry Draft. The selection represented the culmination of his years of development and placed him on the pathway to professional hockey. Following his draft year, Wells continued his development while awaiting his entry into professional competition. On May 18, 2017, he signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Oilers organization, officially beginning his professional hockey journey.
Dylan Wells Career
Early Professional Career (2018-2021)
Wells officially began his professional playing career in 2018, joining the Oilers organization as a developing prospect. Within the Oilers system, he split time between the Bakersfield Condors of the American Hockey League (AHL) and the Wichita Thunder of the ECHL. The assignment to both levels allowed Wells to accumulate valuable professional experience while continuing to refine his game. Playing regularly in both leagues helped him adapt to the speed and physicality of professional hockey.
The 2020-2021 season presented unique challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but Wells remained committed to his craft. He spent the majority of that season on the Oilers taxi squad, continuing to train and prepare for opportunities. This period of patience and persistence would soon pay dividends as his career trajectory began to shift. The experience of being around the NHL environment daily, even without playing regularly, contributed to his mental preparation for the next phase of his career.
Carolina Hurricanes Organization (2021-2022)
Following the completion of his entry-level contract with Edmonton, Wells was traded to the Carolina Hurricanes on July 15, 2021, in exchange for future considerations. The trade represented a new chapter in his professional journey and an opportunity to continue his development within a new organization. After joining the Hurricanes, Wells signed a one-year AHL contract with their affiliate, the Chicago Wolves, on August 11, 2021. The move to Chicago provided him with a fresh start and a chance to compete for more playing time.
During the 2021-2022 season, Wells spent the majority of his time with the Norfolk Admirals, the ECHL affiliate of the Chicago Wolves. He appeared in 43 games with the Admirals, recording 18 wins during the campaign. The extended playing time in the ECHL helped Wells regain his confidence and showcase his abilities as a starting goaltender. His performance with Norfolk demonstrated his capacity to be a reliable number one goaltender at the ECHL level while continuing to work toward an expanded role in the AHL.
Chicago Blackhawks and NHL Debut (2022-2023)
After his season with the Admirals, Wells became a free agent from the Chicago Wolves organization. On July 14, 2022, he signed a one-year contract with the Rockford IceHogs, the AHL affiliate of the Chicago Blackhawks. The move to the Blackhawks organization marked another step in his professional progression. Beginning the 2022-2023 season with Rockford, Wells was prepared to compete for increased responsibilities within the system.
His dedication paid off when the Chicago Blackhawks signed him to a one-year NHL contract on November 5, 2022, due to a rash of injuries at the goaltending position. The call-up represented a dream realized for Wells, who had worked toward an NHL opportunity since being drafted in 2016. That same day, he made his highly anticipated NHL debut in a relief appearance against the Winnipeg Jets. Wells entered the game during the third period and made 12 saves from 13 shots faced during a 4-0 defeat. Despite the loss, his performance demonstrated his ability to compete at the NHL level when called upon. Following his debut, he was returned to Rockford on November 8 to continue his development.
Trade to Dallas Stars (2023)
On March 2, 2023, the Blackhawks traded Wells along with forward Max Domi to the Dallas Stars in exchange for goaltender Anton Khudobin and a second-round pick in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft. The trade provided Wells with an opportunity to join a competitive Stars organization for the remainder of the season. However, with limited opportunities available, he did not appear in any games with Dallas during his brief tenure with the club.
Following the conclusion of his contract with the Stars at the end of the season, Wells entered the 2023 off-season as an unrestricted free agent. He continued to work toward securing another NHL opportunity while remaining open to playing at either the AHL or ECHL level. The experience of being traded and joining a new organization in the middle of a season provided valuable lessons about the business aspect of professional hockey.
Current Tenure with Tucson Roadrunners (2023-Present)
On August 31, 2023, Wells accepted an invitation to attend the Nashville Predators 2023 training camp on a professional tryout deal. The opportunity allowed him to compete for a roster spot during the preseason while showcasing his abilities to the Predators coaching staff. Although he was ultimately released from his tryout with Nashville, the experience kept him sharp and prepared for the regular season.
Following his release from the Predators, Wells returned to the ECHL to begin the 2023-2024 season with the Idaho Steelheads on October 18, 2023. He made an immediate impact with his new team, posting an impressive 7 wins in his first 7 games with the Steelheads. His stellar performance earned him a professional tryout opportunity with the Tucson Roadrunners of the AHL, the affiliate of the Arizona Coyotes. Wells signed with Tucson on November 23, 2023, and has continued his professional career with the team. His strong play with the Roadrunners has positioned him as a reliable option in the AHL as he continues to pursue his ultimate goal of becoming a regular NHL contributor.
Playing Style and Strengths
Dylan Wells is a 6-foot-2 goaltender who plays the position in a technically sound manner. His size allows him to cover a significant amount of the net, making him a difficult target for opposing shooters. Wells demonstrates solid positioning and angle play, relying on his technical fundamentals rather than purely athletic saves. His ability to track the puck through traffic and maintain composure under pressure has been evident throughout his professional career. The left-catching goaltender has shown the capacity to steal games for his team on certain nights, displaying the kind of momentum-shifting ability that NHL teams seek in their netminders.
Notable Events and Milestones
The most significant milestone in Wells career to date remains his NHL debut with the Chicago Blackhawks on November 5, 2022. After six years of professional development following his 2016 draft selection, Wells finally realized his dream of playing in the NHL during a game against the Winnipeg Jets. Even though it came in relief during a lopsided defeat, the appearance represented the culmination of years of hard work and perseverance. His 12 saves on 13 shots demonstrated his ability to compete at the highest level when given the opportunity. Additionally, his successful start with Idaho Steelheads in 2023, where he won his first seven decisions, showcased his capacity to dominate at the ECHL level and earn promotions to higher leagues.
Dylan Wells Career Statistics Overview
Throughout his professional career spanning from 2018 to the present, Dylan Wells has accumulated experience across multiple leagues including the ECHL, AHL, and a brief NHL appearance. His journey has taken him through five different organizations, providing him with a wealth of knowledge about different team cultures, systems, and playing environments. The experienced goaltender has demonstrated the ability to win games at every level he has competed in, though specific career totals vary depending on the source and are subject to update as his career continues.
Professional Milestones
Wells achieved several notable firsts during his professional journey. His first professional win came during his initial seasons with the Oilers organization affiliates. His first AHL victory was recorded while playing with the Bakersfield Condors. The Norfolk Admirals tenure saw him post 18 wins across 43 appearances, representing his most substantial regular season workload at the ECHL level. The Idaho Steelheads stint in 2023 produced an exceptional start with seven consecutive wins, the best beginning to a season in his professional career. Most importantly, his NHL debut on November 5, 2022, marked the realization of his childhood dream and validated the Oilers fifth-round selection from 2016.
Career Progression and Development
From his beginnings with the Peterborough Pets to his current position with the Tucson Roadrunners, Wells has demonstrated steady professional growth throughout his career. Each organization he has joined has contributed to his development as both a goaltender and a professional athlete. The experience gained from playing in various leagues and situations has prepared him for whatever opportunities arise in the future. His ability to bounce back from setbacks, including being released from tryouts and enduring trades, speaks to his mental toughness and commitment to his craft.
Dylan Wells Personal Life
Background and Career Outlook
Dylan Wells represents the type of professional hockey player who has taken the long road to establish himself in the sport. Rather than achieving immediate success after being drafted, he has methodically worked through the minor leagues, learning valuable lessons at each stop. His journey demonstrates that patience and persistence can lead to opportunities even after initial setbacks. The Canadian goaltender continues to pursue his NHL dreams while providing value to his current AHL team.
Professional Development and Future Goals
At 28 years old, Wells remains in the prime of his professional hockey career. His experience spanning over six professional seasons has prepared him for leadership roles within locker rooms and mentorship opportunities with younger goaltenders. The goal of becoming a full-time NHL goaltender remains within reach, and his performance with Tucson will determine whether another opportunity at the highest level emerges. Regardless of where his career leads, Wells has already accomplished what many aspiring hockey players only dream about by reaching the NHL, even if only for a brief appearance. His story serves as inspiration for undrafted and late-round prospects who must navigate the challenging pathway to professional hockey success.
2025 Season Performance Outlook
As Dylan Wells enters the 2025 hockey season with the Tucson Roadrunners, he brings the experience of a seasoned professional who has navigated the challenges of minor league hockey for several years. His recent performance trajectory with the Roadrunners suggests he has found a comfortable fit within the organization. The goaltender will look to build upon his strong finish to the previous season and establish himself as a consistent performer between the pipes for Tucson.
The Roadrunners coaching staff has praised Wells for his professionalism and work ethic since joining the team. His ability to mentor younger goaltenders while maintaining his own competitive edge has made him a valuable asset to the organization. The upcoming season presents an opportunity for Wells to showcase his abilities in a larger role, potentially putting himself in position for another NHL call-up should injuries arise with the Arizona Coyotes.
Wells continues to demonstrate the same dedication and commitment that characterized his earlier career phases. His journey from a fifth-round draft pick to an NHL player and experienced professional speaks to his character and resilience. Whether he ultimately returns to the NHL for an extended stay or continues his solid professional career in the AHL, Dylan Wells has proven himself as a reliable goaltender who can be counted on to perform when given the opportunity. The 2025 season will serve as another chapter in his ongoing professional hockey story.