Dylan Wells Bio
Dylan Wells is a Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender currently playing with the Tucson Roadrunners of the American Hockey League (AHL). Born on January 3, 1998, in St. Catharines, Ontario, Wells developed his game through the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) before being selected by the Edmonton Oilers in the fifth round of the 2016 NHL Entry Draft. He signed his entry-level contract with the Oilers in 2017 and has since built a career that has taken him across multiple organizations in both the AHL and ECHL.
Standing 188 cm tall and weighing 86 kg, Wells has worked his way through professional affiliates in North America, including time with the Bakersfield Condors, Chicago Wolves, and Tucson Roadrunners. His path has featured stints as a starter, a backup, and a call-up, reflecting the steady progression of a goaltender determined to establish himself at the top level.
Early Life and Background
Dylan Wells was born on January 3, 1998, in St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada. St. Catharines sits in the Niagara Region of southern Ontario, an area known for producing competitive hockey talent at the youth and junior levels. Growing up in this environment gave Wells early exposure to high-level competition and helped shape his development as a goaltender.
From a young age, Wells focused on the unique demands of the goaltending position, including positioning, rebound control, and reading the play. His progression through minor hockey in Ontario prepared him for the jump to major junior hockey, where he would face older and more experienced shooters on a regular basis.
Path to Hockey
Wells began his major junior career with the Peterborough Petes of the Ontario Hockey League, one of the most established development leagues for future professional players. Competing in the OHL allowed him to face top amateur talent from across North America and refine the technical and mental aspects of his game under the pressure of a long schedule.
His performance with the Petes caught the attention of National Hockey League scouts, and in 2016 he was selected by the Edmonton Oilers in the fifth round, 123rd overall, of the NHL Entry Draft. The selection confirmed his status as a legitimate professional prospect and set the stage for his transition to professional hockey.
Dylan Wells Career
Early Career (2017–2019)
Following his draft selection, Wells signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Edmonton Oilers on May 18, 2017. He spent the early portion of his professional career within the Oilers organization, splitting time between the Bakersfield Condors of the AHL and the Wichita Thunder of the ECHL. These assignments allowed him to adjust to the speed and structure of professional hockey while continuing to build experience against older players.
Wells used these developmental seasons to establish himself as a reliable option within the organization. His willingness to move between affiliates and adapt to different team systems demonstrated the professionalism that has come to define his career path.
Edmonton Oilers Organization (2017–2021)
During his tenure with the Oilers organization, Wells continued to develop with the Bakersfield Condors and Wichita Thunder. He worked on refining his technique and consistency, while learning the demands of a full professional schedule. The AHL and ECHL provided important stepping stones as he adjusted to life as a professional goaltender.
The 2020–21 season was shaped significantly by the COVID-19 pandemic, and Wells spent much of that year on the Oilers taxi squad. Despite the unusual circumstances, the experience gave him additional insight into NHL-level preparation and routines. At the conclusion of the season, Wells was traded to the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for future considerations on July 15, 2021.
Carolina Hurricanes Organization (2021–2022)
After completing his entry-level contract, Wells remained within the Hurricanes organization by signing a one-year AHL contract with the Chicago Wolves on August 11, 2021. The Wolves served as Carolina’s top developmental affiliate, giving Wells a fresh opportunity to compete for playing time at the AHL level.
Wells spent the majority of the 2021–22 season with the Wolves’ ECHL affiliate, the Norfolk Admirals, appearing in 43 games and recording 18 wins. The heavy workload helped him refine his game-day preparation and consistency, while contributing to one of the more productive seasons of his young professional career.
Chicago Blackhawks Era (2022–2023)
As a free agent following his time with the Wolves, Wells signed a one-year contract with the Rockford IceHogs on July 14, 2022, continuing his career in the AHL. He began the 2022–23 season with the IceHogs, but an injury crisis in Chicago created an unexpected opportunity at the NHL level.
On November 5, 2022, Wells was signed to a one-year NHL contract by the Chicago Blackhawks and served as the team’s backup goaltender. That same evening, he made his NHL debut in a relief appearance against the Winnipeg Jets, stopping 12 of 13 shots in the third period of a 4–0 defeat. The debut marked a career milestone for Wells, who was returned to the IceHogs on November 8.
On March 2, 2023, the Blackhawks traded Wells, along with Max Domi, to the Dallas Stars in exchange for Anton Khudobin and a second-round pick in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft. The move signaled a new chapter for Wells within the Stars organization.
Dallas Stars and Nashville Predators (2023)
Wells completed the remainder of his contract with the Dallas Stars before becoming a free agent in the off-season. On August 31, 2023, he accepted a professional tryout invitation to attend the Nashville Predators’ 2023 training camp. After being released from the tryout, Wells joined the Idaho Steelheads of the ECHL on October 18, 2023, to begin the 2023–24 season.
His strong play with the Steelheads quickly drew attention, as he posted seven wins in as many games. On November 23, 2023, that performance earned him a professional tryout with the Tucson Roadrunners of the AHL, where he has continued to compete.
Tucson Roadrunners Era (2023–Present)
Wells joined the Tucson Roadrunners on a professional tryout on November 23, 2023, after a standout start with the Idaho Steelheads. His transition back to the AHL level was supported by his early confidence with the Steelheads, and he has since worked to solidify his role within the Roadrunners organization.
As a goaltender competing in one of the AHL’s most competitive divisions, Wells continues to develop his game while contributing to the Roadrunners’ seasonal objectives. His journey through multiple organizations has given him a broad perspective on professional hockey.
Notable Events and Milestones
Wells’ NHL debut with the Chicago Blackhawks on November 5, 2022, stands as the defining milestone of his professional career to date. Entering a game in relief against the Winnipeg Jets and stopping 12 of 13 shots provided a memorable first appearance, even in a 4–0 defeat. Earlier in his career, being selected 123rd overall by the Edmonton Oilers in 2016 marked his arrival on the professional hockey landscape.
Dylan Wells Family
Personal Life
Dylan Wells was born and raised in St. Catharines, Ontario, and maintains his Canadian roots throughout his professional career. Detailed information about his family life, including parents, spouse, and children, is not publicly documented in available sources.
2025 Season Performance
Heading into the 2025 season, Dylan Wells continues his professional career with the Tucson Roadrunners of the AHL. His path through the Blackhawks, Stars, Predators, and Steelheads organizations has provided a steady accumulation of experience at both the AHL and ECHL levels, reinforcing his readiness for the demands of the new season.
Wells’ early success with the Idaho Steelheads, where he recorded seven consecutive wins, demonstrated the form that earned him his AHL opportunity with the Roadrunners. Carrying that momentum into 2025, he remains focused on establishing himself as a consistent contributor within the Roadrunners’ goaltending rotation.
As the season unfolds, Wells’ combination of size, technical development, and experience across multiple organizations positions him as a reliable option for the Roadrunners. His continued progression will be closely watched as he works toward solidifying a long-term role in professional hockey.