Washington Capitals defenseman Brenden Dillon, who was acquired from the San Jose Sharks on February 18 in exchange for a 2020 second-round pick and conditional 2021 third-round pick, said that “we’re all going through an adjustment period.” But, he thinks that he will be more comfortable after a month in Washington. He, along with forward Ilya Kovalchuk (who was acquired from the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for a 2020 third-round pick on February 23), feels “more and more like a Cap” after training camp.

On what this tournament means for the fans, Dillon thinks that “everyone is looking for positivity and normalcy” and “this is what we know.” “[It] feels like [hockey’s] back… we’re excited to play some playoff hockey,” he said.

Dillon told the media that he has talked to a few of his ex-teammates from the Sharks, who are not participating in the NHL’s return-to-play plan. He said that they have been “encouraging and supporting.” “You’re wishing the best for them,” he said, adding that he hopes that they are rooting for the Capitals.

On all that has gone on for Dillon in 2020 from getting traded to the season getting paused to quarantining in California and getting to the bubble in Toronto, he said, “it’s been a crazy year for a lot of people.” He added that he is happy to play hockey and thought the NHL did a great job with the bubble life so far, especially getting outside. He said that it “sounds like things are only going to get better.”

Dillon said that being in his home country for the 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs without the fans does not make a difference. “Health and safety was No. 1. … They did a great job in Canada … [I am] not able to do anything but hotel life and at the rink,” he concluded with.

By Harrison Brown