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Vegas Golden Knights: Is Dillon now a trade target with DeBoer hire?

By Andrew Steele-Davis

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - JANUARY 14: Brenden Dillon #4 of the San Jose Sharks awaits a face off against the Arizona Coyotes during the second period of the NHL game at Gila River Arena on January 14, 2020 in Glendale, Arizona. The Coyotes defeated the Sharks 6-3. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - JANUARY 14: Brenden Dillon #4 of the San Jose Sharks awaits a face off against the Arizona Coyotes during the second period of the NHL game at Gila River Arena on January 14, 2020 in Glendale, Arizona. The Coyotes defeated the Sharks 6-3. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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SAN JOSE, CA – DECEMBER 27: San Jose Sharks defenseman Brenden Dillon (4) takes the ice before the San Jose Sharks game versus the Los Angeles Kings on December 27, 2019, at SAP Center at San Jose in San Jose, CA (Photo by Matt Cohen/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
SAN JOSE, CA – DECEMBER 27: San Jose Sharks defenseman Brenden Dillon (4) takes the ice before the San Jose Sharks game versus the Los Angeles Kings on December 27, 2019, at SAP Center at San Jose in San Jose, CA (Photo by Matt Cohen/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Pros to trading for Dillon

First and foremost, Brenden Dillon is a player Vegas Golden Knights Head Coach Peter DeBoer knows extremely well having coached him at the San Jose Sharks for five seasons.

That is a factor because DeBoer will know Dillon’s strengths and weaknesses inside out, and will know what systems fit the player best.

Also, it is said that coach and player share a very solid relationship with DeBoer incredibly high on Dillon, and having that trust already in place will ensure a smooth transition for the blueliner.

Of course, it isn’t the Head Coach who buys the ingredients obviously, that is the job of the General Manager, but there is nothing stopping DeBoer to try and steer Kelly McCrimmon in the direction of Dillon.

But, arguably the biggest positive when it comes to discussing a potential trade for Dillon is the fact that the defenseman would slot seamlessly onto a contending roster.

He’s also built for postseason hockey.

Boasting a hulking 6’4″ and 225 lbs frame, Dillon is an intimidating presence on the ice and he would be another big body for the Golden Knights.

He plays with a real grit and snarl, as backed up by the fact that he has led the Sharks in hits every year since 2016-17, while the blueliner has racked up 155 hits this season.

Dillon is a born competitor who is averaging 19:04 minutes of total ice time this year, while he is also a cornerstone piece on the penalty kill for the Sharks.

Granted, Dillon is more of a stay-at-home defenseman but he would bring a bucketload of tenacity to the table for the Golden Knights, and he’ll also drop the gloves if the occasion asks for it.

Just watch the clip below. You’ve got to be made of something strong to go after the giant that is Boston Bruins defenseman Zdeno Chara.

Dillon isn’t just a one-trick pony, though, and he boasts excellent skating ability and a high hockey IQ, while he’s also in the prime of his career right now and still has years of good hockey left in him.

Plus, at 29, Dillon is a veteran of 579 regular season contests in the NHL, in addition to 62 playoff contests.

As a result, the defenseman would be an ideal candidate to help mentor Vegas’ plethora of defensive prospects, including Nic Hague who is carving out a solid rookie year.

Let’s not forget the offensive upside, either. While not in the mould of a Shea Theodore, Dillion can still produce and he carved out a career high in assists last year with 21 in 82 games.

Dillon has one goal and 10 assists for 11 points with a plus/minus rating of -4 in 50 games this year, although it is worth keeping in mind that the defenseman has been playing on a San Jose team mired in mediocrity this year.

There is also the durability factor too. Dillon hasn’t dipped below 80 games since 2015-16, while he has played in at least 80 games in five of his seven full seasons in the NHL.

Overall, Brenden Dillon is a proven veteran in the majors with a big body and an ability to play top-four minutes. He’s built perfectly for the postseason and would be a solid addition to this team.

He is exactly the type of sandpaper player that you need in the playoffs, and his high-compete level would ensure he fits in within the current culture that has been carefully cultivated in that Vegas locker room.

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