Brenden Dillon facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Brenden Dillon
Dillon with the Dallas Stars in 2014
Born	(1990-11-13) November 13, 1990 (age 34) Surrey, British Columbia, Canada
Height	6 ft 4 in (193 cm)
Weight	225 lb (102 kg; 16 st 1 lb)
Position	Defence
Shoots	Left
NHL team Former teams	New Jersey Devils Dallas Stars San Jose Sharks Washington Capitals Winnipeg Jets
National team	Canada
NHL Draft	Undrafted
Playing career	2011–present

Brenden Dillon was born on November 13, 1990. He is a Canadian professional ice hockey player. He plays as a defenceman for the New Jersey Devils in the National Hockey League (NHL). Before joining the Devils, Dillon played for the Dallas Stars, San Jose Sharks, Washington Capitals, and Winnipeg Jets. He was not chosen in the NHL draft but played four seasons of junior hockey with the Seattle Thunderbirds.

Brenden Dillon's Early Life

Brenden Dillon was born in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada. His mother's name is Debbie. His father grew up in Portugal, which is why Brenden can speak French and Portuguese. His younger sister was also an athlete. She played beach volleyball for York University.

Brenden Dillon's Hockey Journey

Starting Out in Hockey

Growing up in Surrey, British Columbia, Brenden played many sports. He enjoyed volleyball, basketball, soccer, and track and field. He went to a private Catholic elementary school. He was often named the best track athlete for races like the 100m and 200m.

When he was 15, Brenden started training with Impact Hockey Development. This helped him earn a spot on the junior B Hope Icebreakers team. He was only five-foot-two at the time. Brenden was not picked in the Western Hockey League (WHL) draft. He played one season in the junior league. After that, he signed with the Seattle Thunderbirds.

Brenden played four seasons with the Thunderbirds. He scored 85 points in 271 games. On March 1, 2011, Brenden signed a three-year contract with the Dallas Stars. He was a free agent, meaning no team had drafted him.

Playing Professionally

Dillon with the Texas Stars in 2011

Dallas Stars Years

After signing with the Stars, Brenden joined their minor league team. This team was the Texas Stars in the American Hockey League (AHL). He played 10 games for them in the 2010–11 AHL season. He did not score any points but had eight penalty minutes.

Brenden was invited to the Dallas Stars' main training camp. This was before the 2011–12 NHL season. However, he was sent back to the Texas Stars. He played 31 games for Texas, scoring two goals and 11 assists. Then, he was called up to the NHL team. This happened when another player, Sheldon Souray, was injured.

Brenden did not play in a game during that first call-up. He was sent back to Texas. He was called up again for the Dallas Stars' last game of the season. He made his NHL debut on April 8, 2012. This game was against the St. Louis Blues. He played for almost 20 minutes. He had six shots on goal and four hits. He also blocked three shots. Brenden finished the season with the Texas Stars. He was tied for the most assists among their defensemen.

The 2012–13 NHL season started with a lockout. Because of this, Brenden began the season with the Texas Stars. He joined Dallas once the lockout ended. On February 1, 2013, Brenden achieved his first "Gordie Howe hat trick." This means he had a fight, an assist, and a goal in the same game. He also scored his first NHL goal and assist in that game. It was a 4–3 shootout win against the Phoenix Coyotes.

Brenden was also chosen to play for Canada. He played in the 2013 IIHF World Championship. He scored one goal in eight games. Canada lost in the quarterfinal to Sweden.

In the 2013–14 NHL season, Brenden played the whole season with the Stars. He set new personal bests. He finished the season with 17 points in 80 games. His plus-minus rating was fourth best among all NHL defensemen. He missed only two games that season due to an injury. On October 2, 2014, Brenden signed a one-year contract extension. This kept him with the Stars through the 2014–15 NHL season.

San Jose Sharks Years

On November 21, 2014, Brenden was traded to the San Jose Sharks. The Stars received defenseman Jason Demers and a draft pick. At the time of the trade, Brenden had three assists in 20 games. When he joined the Sharks, Brenden played alongside veteran Brent Burns. He also returned to his usual playing side. Brenden finished the 2014–15 NHL season with the Sharks. He had two goals and seven assists in 60 games.

On June 29, 2015, Brenden signed a new contract with San Jose. It was a five-year deal worth $16.35 million. This contract lasted until the end of the 2019–20 NHL season. In the first year of his new contract, Brenden scored 11 points in 79 games.

In his third full season with the Sharks, Brenden improved his scoring. He set new personal bests for assists and total points. On December 5, 2017, Brenden was suspended for one game. This was for slashing Washington Capitals player Madison Bowey.

After the 2018–19 NHL season, Brenden received an award from the Sharks. It was called the "Media Good Guy" Award. This award goes to a player who is helpful and honest with the media. He was also nominated for the King Clancy Memorial Trophy. This award is for a player who shows leadership and helps their community. Brenden was nominated for his work with the Sharks Foundation. He supported their "Stick To Fitness" program and "Blacktop Resurfacing" projects.

Washington Capitals Years

After the 2019–20 NHL season, Brenden was traded again. The Sharks were not going to make the playoffs. Brenden was in the last year of his contract. On February 18, 2020, he was traded to the Washington Capitals. The Capitals gave up a second-round draft pick and a conditional third-round pick. Before the trade, Brenden had said he wanted to stay with the Sharks. He had played many games for the Sharks. He ranked ninth in games played and seventh in penalty minutes in Sharks history.

On October 6, 2020, Brenden signed a new contract with the Capitals. It was a four-year deal worth $15.6 million.

Winnipeg Jets Years

On July 26, 2021, Brenden was traded by the Capitals to the Winnipeg Jets. The Jets gave up two second-round draft picks. Later, on December 17, 2021, Brenden played his first game against the Capitals since the trade. He scored his first goal as a Winnipeg Jet in that game.

New Jersey Devils Years

After playing three seasons with the Jets, Brenden signed a new contract. On July 1, 2024, he signed a three-year, $12 million contract with the New Jersey Devils.

Brenden Dillon's Community Work

Brenden Dillon works with HEROS. This is a non-profit youth hockey organization in Western Canada. He is an ambassador for them. He helped open a new HEROS office in his hometown of Surrey, British Columbia.

Career Statistics

Regular Season and Playoffs

International Play