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 has built his career as a dependable two-way forward across multiple National Hockey League (NHL) organizations. Selected 60th overall by the San Jose Sharks in the 2016 NHL entry draft, Gambrell has also represented the Ottawa Senators organization after being traded in 2021. Standing 183 centimeters tall and weighing 84 kilograms, he has been a steady presence at both the NHL and AHL levels since turning professional in 2018.
Early Life and Background
Dylan Gambrell was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, growing up in the Kent, Washington area. His father introduced him to the sport through a strong roller hockey background, which encouraged Gambrell to pursue ice hockey from an early age. He began his organized hockey career with the Kent Valley Hockey Association, where he developed his foundational skills and grew into a promising young prospect.
Recognizing the need for higher-level competition, Gambrell made the bold decision at age 14 to leave Washington and move to Colorado. There, he joined the Colorado Thunderbirds of the T1EHL at the under-16 level. The move proved formative, as it allowed him to train against older and more skilled players on a consistent basis. His time in Colorado set the stage for his entry into the United States Hockey League and eventually the collegiate ranks.
Path to Hockey
Gambrell’s trajectory toward professional hockey accelerated when he was selected 11th overall in the 2012 USHL Futures draft by the Dubuque Fighting Saints of the United States Hockey League. He joined the Fighting Saints for the 2012–13 season and quickly made an impact. In 2013, he won the USHL Clark Cup with Dubuque, one of the top trophies in American junior hockey. The championship confirmed his status as one of the top young American forwards of his age group.
Over the next two seasons, Gambrell continued his development with Dubuque, playing three total seasons in the USHL. He then transitioned to the collegiate level, joining the University of Denver in the National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC) for the 2015–16 season. He was named to the NCHC All-Rookie Team at the conclusion of his freshman year. Despite being drafted by the San Jose Sharks in 2016, Gambrell chose to return to Denver for his sophomore campaign, finishing third in team scoring with 43 points in 41 games as a junior before signing his first professional contract.
Dylan Gambrell Career
Early Career (2018–2019)
On March 26, 2018, Dylan Gambrell signed a two-year entry-level contract with the San Jose Sharks and was immediately added to the NHL roster. He made his NHL debut on April 3, 2018, in a 4–2 loss to the Dallas Stars, and finished his first NHL stint scoreless through three regular-season games. Approaching the 2018–19 season, he was assigned to the Sharks’ AHL affiliate, the San Jose Barracuda, on October 2, 2018, before being recalled five days later following an injury to Joe Thornton.
Gambrell spent the majority of his rookie professional campaign with the Barracuda, registering 20 goals and 45 points in 51 games. He also appeared in eight games for the Sharks during the regular season. His most memorable moment came during the 2019 Western Conference Finals when he was inserted into the playoff lineup for Game 6 after Joe Pavelski was injured in Game 5. Gambrell scored his first NHL goal against the St. Louis Blues, the lone Sharks goal in a 5–1 defeat. The Sharks were eliminated by the Blues, but the goal marked a meaningful milestone in his career.
San Jose Sharks Tenure (2019–2021)
Following the 2018–19 season, Gambrell was re-signed by the Sharks to a two-year contract on July 11, 2019. In the 2019–20 campaign, he appeared in 50 games for San Jose, scoring five goals and 11 points. He continued to handle a checking-line role while contributing on the penalty kill, where his ice time and responsibilities grew.
During the 2020–21 season, Gambrell played in 49 games, scoring five goals and 12 points. He led the team’s forwards in ice time on the penalty kill, an indication of his value as a defensive specialist and faceoff option. After the season, he signed a one-year contract extension with the Sharks organization.
Ottawa Senators Era (2021–2023)
On October 9, 2021, Gambrell was placed on waivers after losing a training-camp battle for the final roster spot to Jasper Weatherby. After going unclaimed, he was assigned to the San Jose Barracuda to begin the 2021–22 season. Just weeks later, on October 24, 2021, he was traded by the Sharks to the Ottawa Senators in exchange for a seventh-round pick in the 2022 NHL draft. He was immediately recalled to Ottawa, where the Senators sought added depth at center amid a string of injuries.
Gambrell finished the 2021–22 season with three goals and seven points in 63 games for Ottawa. He signed a one-year extension with the Senators on June 15, 2022. During the 2022–23 season, he appeared in 60 games, scoring four goals and 10 points. He provided the Senators with reliable bottom-six play and penalty-kill minutes throughout his tenure in Canada’s capital.
Toronto Maple Leafs and Cleveland Monsters Era (2023–2025)
On July 3, 2023, Gambrell signed a one-year, $775,000 contract as a free agent with the Toronto Maple Leafs. After attending Toronto’s 2023 training camp, he failed to make the opening roster and was placed on waivers on October 8. Following his unclaimed status, he was assigned to the Maple Leafs’ AHL affiliate, the Toronto Marlies, where he posted 36 points in 66 regular-season games and added one goal in three Calder Cup playoff contests.
On July 2, 2024, Gambrell joined his fourth NHL organization, signing a one-year, two-way contract as a free agent with the Columbus Blue Jackets. After clearing waivers, he was assigned to Columbus’ AHL affiliate, the Cleveland Monsters, for the 2024–25 season. He continued his role as a veteran AHL presence, providing scoring depth and leadership at the minor-league level.
Driving Style and Strengths
Gambrell is recognized as a reliable two-way center with strong defensive instincts and a steady presence on the penalty kill. His ability to win faceoffs and absorb difficult minutes has made him a valuable bottom-six option at the NHL level and a dependable top-six scorer in the AHL. Throughout his professional career, he has consistently logged heavy special-teams ice time, particularly as a forward penalty killer during his time in San Jose.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among the defining moments of Gambrell’s career is his first NHL goal, scored during Game 6 of the 2019 Western Conference Finals against the St. Louis Blues. His early junior triumph with the 2013 USHL Clark Cup and his selection 60th overall in the 2016 NHL draft stand out as formative milestones. The rapid transitions between four NHL organizations over four seasons also reflect both his adaptability and the fluid nature of his journeyman professional career.
Dylan Gambrell Career Wins
Dylan Gambrell’s trophy case is anchored by his 2013 USHL Clark Cup championship with the Dubuque Fighting Saints. At the NHL level, he has yet to capture a Stanley Cup, but his journey through four organizations has included a 2019 Western Conference Finals appearance with the San Jose Sharks.
Junior and Collegiate Highlights
Gambrell’s most significant team triumph came in 2013 when he helped the Dubuque Fighting Saints capture the USHL Clark Cup. He was later named to the NCHC All-Rookie Team following his freshman season at the University of Denver, signaling his growing stature as a top American college prospect.
Professional Performances
At the AHL level, Gambrell has delivered consistent offensive output, including a 20-goal, 45-point campaign with the San Jose Barracuda in 2018–19 and a 36-point season with the Toronto Marlies in 2023–24. While individual NHL hardware has been limited, his steady special-teams contributions and his first NHL playoff goal remain career highlights.
Dylan Gambrell Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Dylan Gambrell’s introduction to hockey came through his father, who had a strong roller hockey background. That family influence led Gambrell to the Kent Valley Hockey Association in Washington, where his competitive foundation was established.
Personal Life
Gambrell has largely kept his personal life private. Available public information does not include confirmed details about a spouse, children, or other immediate family members beyond his father’s documented involvement in his early hockey development.
2025 Season Performance
As of the 2025 calendar year, Dylan Gambrell is listed on the roster of the Iowa Wild in the American Hockey League, the top minor-league affiliate of the Minnesota Wild. After spending the 2024–25 season with the Cleveland Monsters under contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets, his move to Iowa signals a fresh start within a new organizational system. He is expected to continue providing experienced two-way play and penalty-kill support at the AHL level.
Throughout the 2024–25 campaign, Gambrell has been relied upon as a veteran presence on a roster filled with developing prospects. His track record of producing offense in the AHL, combined with his NHL pedigree, makes him a stabilizing force for the Iowa Wild lineup. Should injuries or performance open a window, his NHL experience with three prior organizations positions him as a potential recall candidate.
Looking ahead, Gambrell’s primary objective remains earning another NHL opportunity while continuing to develop as a leader at the AHL level. His journey from the Kent Valley Hockey Association through four NHL organizations illustrates a career defined by perseverance, adaptability, and consistent professional performance.