The Washington Capitals have acquired Brendan Dillon, 29, from the San Jose Sharks. Acquiring this former Seattle Thunderbird adds a solid defense player with experience to the Capitals’ blue line.
“Brenden is an experienced defenseman who plays a solid defensive game with a high compete level and physicality,” Capitals general manager Brian MacLellan said in a statement. “We felt it was important for us to add a player of his caliber to our defensive group.”
In exchange for Dillon the Sharks have gained a 2020 second round pick (originally acquired from Colorado) and a conditional 2021 third round pick. In the event that Washington wins the Stanley Cup in 2020, the Sharks will receive Arizona’s third-round pick in 2020 instead. In addition, the Sharks retain half of Dillon’s $3.27 million cap hit.
The Capitals remain the leader of the Metropolitan division in the Eastern Conference. However their recent six out of ten losses has seen their division lead take a hard hit. A reason for this decline in success can has been in their defensive line, with too much time spent in their own end. The Dillon trade aims to address that.
The Sharks acquired Dillon from the Dallas Stars in 2014. Dillon skated in 439 games for the Sharks and scored 14 goals. He added 88 assists in his time with the Sharks.
Additionally, Dillon was on the ice for 40 goals at five-on-five, the third most on the Sharks this season. Dillon led the Sharks in hits (178) – the ninth most in the NHL – and ranked fourth in blocked shots (67). His 19:22 TOI per game ranked fifth on San Jose and marks his highest TOI per game since the 2014-15 season (19:34).
In the WHL, Dillon served as Captain of the Thunderbirds during the 2010-11 season. He finished his four year Thunderbirds career with 94 points (11g, 83a) in 280 games.
Dillon will not be the only Capitals player with Seattle roots. Capitals Right Winger TJ Oshie is an Everett native, playing with the Seattle Junior Hockey Association for ten years.
The Capitals next play the Montreal Canadiens at home, Thursday, February 20th.
Holy cupcakes! We got to write an article about the Caps that was relevant to our region! Do you guys know how excited we are?!?
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