The Winnipeg Jets have been extremely quiet throughout this offseason, but last night everything changed as the Jets completed their first trade of this offseason period.
We have written about it many times so far since the season ended about the Jets’ need for a top-tier defenseman and how the Jets would get this done by either going to free agency or making a huge trade.
The Jets front office decided to make a huge trade with the Washington Capitals to acquire one of their standout defenseman from last season.
The Winnipeg Jets acquired Brenden Dillon from the Washington Capitals
Winnipeg sent two second-round draft picks in the next two years of the NHL Entry Draft in exchange for the left-shot defenseman. You can see the trade below:
Right now this looks to be an outstanding move from the Jets front office. Dillon is a top-rate shutdown defenseman that the Jets need.
During the 2021 season, the thirty-year-old played in all 56 regular season games and scored two goals, and picked up 17 assists for a total of 19 points. He finished the season with an outstanding plus-fifteen plus/minus.
Dillon played the season on the Capitals’ top defensive pairing with John Carlson and was a key figure on their penalty kill. He also led all Washington defenders in hits and is a no-nonsense player that will always answer the bell to fight. He was tied for third in the NHL with five fighting majors this past season.
The British Columbia native looks to be a key figure on the Jets’ blueline for the considerable future as he still has three years remaining on his four-year contract that carries an average annual value of $3,900,000.
The Dillon trade was not the only big piece of offseason news from the Winnipeg Jets yesterday. The Jets also resigned one of their key players from last season. Check back to our site later today as we will recap that signing and break down this trade.
Winnipeg Jets Fans: Are you happy with the Winnipeg Jets acquiring Brenden Dillon? Leave your comments below!
*All Stats Provided by the NHL*