Caps acquire defenseman Dillon from Sharks

by Brian Hradsky · February 18, 2020

The Washington Capitals have acquired defenseman Brenden Dillon from the San Jose Sharks. The Sharks will receive a 2020 second round pick and 2021 third round pick. The Caps have been struggling the past two weeks especially on the defensive side of the ice.

Changes had to be made by the Capitals and GM Brian MacLellan was quick to make them.

Here is the Caps press release.

The Washington Capitals have acquired defenseman Brenden Dillon from the San Jose Sharks for a 2020 second round pick (originally acquired from Colorado) and a conditional 2021 third round pick, senior vice president and general manager Brian MacLellan announced today. In addition, San Jose has agreed to retain 50 percent of Dillon’s salary and cap hit.

“Brenden is an experienced defenseman who plays a solid defensive game with a high compete level and physicality,” said MacLellan. “We felt it was important for us to add a player of his caliber to our defensive group.”

Dillon, 29, a native of New Westminster, B.C., recorded 14 points (1g, 13a) in 59 games with the Sharks, nearly on pace for his third consecutive season with at least 20 points. The 6’4″, 225-pound defenseman’s 51.70 shot attempt percentage (899 shot attempts for, 840 against) ranked second among San Jose defensemen at five-on-five. Dillon’s 2:02 minutes per game on the penalty kill ranked third among San Jose defensemen. 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).

Since his first season with San Jose (2014-15), Dillon is tied for the most playoff games played (60). During the 2016 Stanley Cup playoffs, Dillon helped lead San Jose to their first ever appearance in the Stanley Cup Final. Dillon averaged 15:09 TOI per game and ranked second on the team with 72 hits.

In 588 career games with San Jose and the Dallas Stars, Dillon has collected 114 points (22g, 92a). Dillon was signed by Dallas as an undrafted free agent on March 1, 2011.

Prior to the NHL, Dillon appeared in 123 games with the Texas Stars (AHL), recording 43 points (9g, 34a). Additionally, Dillon played four seasons with the Seattle Thunderbirds in the WHL, serving as captain during the 2010-11 season and finished with 94 points (11g, 83a) in 280 games.