Columbus Blue Jackets Sign 2 Players to PTOs

The Columbus Blue Jackets have signed goaltender Aaron Dell and defenseman Nicolas Meloche to professional tryout (PTO) contracts.

Dell made four appearances at the NHL level last season as a member of the San Jose Sharks, posting a 0-3-0 record, a .913 save percentage, and a 2.71 goals-against average. When looking at the Blue Jackets' current roster, Dell would likely be an AHL netminder for the organization if signed, but that is a need that they currently have, so there could be a match here between the player and the team.

Meloche, 26, spent the entirety of this past season in the AHL with the Calgary Wranglers, posting four goals, 21 points, and 66 penalty minutes in 64 games played. The Blue Jackets' defensive depth is deep heading into the 2023-24 season, so Meloche is likely fighting for an AHL spot. In 57 career NHL games, he has two goals and six assists.

We will need to wait and see if either of these players can land contracts from the Blue Jackets before the start of the regular season from here.