Gambrell , a Junior at University of Denver , is second on the Pioneers in plus/minus rating (+19), second in assists (30), third in points (43) and shots (127), and tied for third in goals (13). Amongst all National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC), he ranks second in assists and tied for fourth in points, plus/minus rating, and shots.

"Dylan is one of the top college players in the country, who has proven through his many accomplishments that he can compete at the highest level," said Wilson. "We believe his speed, combined with his high-end hockey IQ, make him ready to be an NHL player. We are confident that, with his skill-set, he will make an impact with our team."

During the 2017-18 season, he was named as a 2018 Hobey Baker nominee, which is awarded to the top National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) men's ice hockey player. For the second year in a row, he was added to the NCAA Second All-Star Team (16-17, 17-18). He was also named as a finalist for NCHC Three Stars Award and was selected as the Bauer NCHC Offensive Player of the Week for the week of January 8, 2018.

During his sophomore year, Gambrell helped lead the University of Denver Pioneers to the 2017 NCAA championship title. In seven tournament games (conference and NCAA), he was tied for second on his team in points (7), fourth in assists (5), plus/minus rating (+8), and shots (18), and tied for fourth in goals (2).

As a freshman at University of Denver, he was named to the NCAA All-Rookie team. He was second amongst all NCHC freshmen in goals (17), assists (30), points (47), and shots (107).

Gambrell was also a Clark Cup Champion as a rookie with the Dubuque Fighting Saints of the USHL in 2012-13. In that season, Gambrell was tied for the lead in points (27), and second in goals (9) and assists (18) amongst Fighting Saints rookies.

The 21 year-old, six-foot, 195-pound native of Bonny Lake, Washington, was drafted by San Jose in the second round (60th overall) of the 2016 NHL Draft.