NHL insider Elliotte Friedman reported on Wednesday that the Washington Capitals are trying to move salary cap money in order to re-sign defenseman Brenden Dillon.
In his regular “31 Thoughts” column, Friedman stated the Capitals efforts to re-sign Dillon now include moving existing salary cap space in order to keep the unrestricted free agent in Washington.
“17. Washington is trying to move money to keep Brenden Dillon.”
Dillon was acquired by the Capitals from the San Jose Sharks at this years trade deadline in exchange for a 2020 second-round pick and a conditional third-round pick in 2021. The Sharks retained 50% of his $3.27 million cap hit for the rest of the season.
The Capitals have acquired defenseman Brenden Dillon from the San Jose Sharks. Dillon brings 588 career games of NHL experience to the Capitals’ blue line. He ranked second among San Jose defensemen with a 51.70 shot attempt percentage this season. pic.twitter.com/XrIqCo6cUv
— CapitalsPR (@CapitalsPR) February 18, 2020
Dillon made $3,2700,000 on his previous five-year deal with the Sharks, so it’s safe to assume he will be looking for anywhere from $3,500,000 to $4,000,000 in his next NHL contract.
“I’m happy with being a Washington Capital,” the 29-year-old defenseman said in a Zoom call back in mid-July. He likes the fit with the Capitals and has felt that way since day one when the trade with San Jose occurred. Dillon is fond of the system and overall chemistry the team has and praised training camp for getting “more acclimated” with the Capitals.
“I think over the last couple weeks, months, I’ve definitely gotten a lot closer with a few of the guys,” Dillon said in reference to having a chance to bond with his fellow teammates, “Bought myself an Xbox…having a couple tee times with a few of the guys during the weeks.”
Dillon was all smiles discussing how much the Capitals team is an “awesome place to be”. He praised the guys for making him feel welcome since the February trade. As mentioned, Dillon is a pending UFA. “Mutual talks amongst my agents and Brian [GM Brian MacLellan] are confidential with them…for me as a player, and being part of the Caps, it’s been awesome, and hopefully I can be here.”
By Jon Sorensen
What are we thinking? Orlov? Kempny? Can’t be Jensen right? Getting rid of an RHD seems like a bad move whether or not your like him. I see too many lefties so I’m going with the first two.
Doesn’t necessarily need to be a defenseman, but I’m with you on d-men.
Just looking for some thought process. Only thinking defense because of that loaded left side. Panik would be my other thought. Copley too, though that doesn’t offer a lot of space.
It could very well be defense. The loaded left side is indeed something they need to address. They also need to re-sign a few other folks, and need a backup netminder, so money is already getting tight.
Personally I’ve thought Orlov was the logical one to go from the start. He’s underperformed on his contract and if you move that one I feel a LOT better about the D overall. I don’t see how you can keep Orlov’s cap hit and add Dillon. Either too much money tied up in D for what you have, or you need to move multiple pieces and I don’t think Orlov is worth doing that.
YOu cant keep Orlov and Dillon and Carlson and still have the sad play of Kempny and Jensen. If they were going to keep anyone from that group I would like to see Gudas but on a 23 year deal. As for Orlov I think you will see him on the expansion list along with Oshie and hopefully a deal can be worked out with Seattle to take both. Dont get me wrong I like Oshie but the salary is just to high for the age and years. The real kicker is what is Ovie going to want and should they give it to him and for how many years. Also if they are going to start a rebuild will he want to stay or might a better place for him be Seattle where he would be the #1 guy and the new kid on the block and the center of attention.
I’am speechless! Last season this team sent Christian Djoos to Hershey after being awarded just over a million by arbitrator,now this year your team is paying 3-4 million for a guy that’s 2 years older & been bottom 3 defenseman everywhere he’s been!! Hope your owner wakes from his self-induced coma before your GM completely screws it up but I think it’s too late now!
NO! NO!! NO!!! NA d let me say it again NO!! HE likes DC well good for him but is he good for the team? Lets see he takes penalties like a kid on Halloween takes candy and that is not what this team needs. As Scottlew said we traded Djoos last year for Sprong who has done nothing in his career, where at least Djous has a ring! And the year before we traded bowey and a 2nd round pick for Jansen and a 5th. Somehow we came out on the bad side of both trades. This looks, smells and stinks like wow we lost two picks for this guy so we had better cover our butts and sign him. Sad state of affairs when you dont trust your own players but those of other teams more. That has been the state of the Caps for years trade players and picks for aging vets and then wonder why their cap is so high and they are just now an average team.