Some major news breaking, and we’re still waiting on the details.
According to multiple sources, the Dallas Stars have traded defenseman Brenden Dillon to the San Jose Sharks, in exchange for defenseman Jason Demers. The Stars also receive a 2015 third round draft pick.
This is a trade that no one expected.
Dillon signed a one-year contract with the Stars as an RFA just before the start of the season, and struggled a bit through the first month of the season before finally starting to find his game next to John Klingberg. Now, the Stars have traded Dillon to the Sharks in exchange for a smaller, puck-moving defenseman. It’s an interesting decision and the logic behind this move is questionable right now.
Demers is under contract through next season and given the struggles of the Stars on defense, adding some proven veteran experience on the blue makes sense, especially with a player that is right handed and that could be the reasoning here.
Here’s the press release:
FRISCO, Texas – Dallas Stars General Manager Jim Nill announced today that the club has acquired defenseman Jason Demers and a third round selection in the 2016 NHL Draft from the San Jose Sharks in exchange for defenseman Brenden Dillon.
Demers, 26, has posted three assists (0-3=3) in 20 games played for San Jose this season. His 30 hits are second amongst San Jose defensemen and he has yet to be on ice for a power play goal against in 21:14 of shorthanded time. He set career highs in goals, assists and points (5-29=34) in 75 games played during the 2013-14 season.
The six-year NHL veteran has appeared in 300 career NHL games, all with San Jose, producing 98 points (16-82=98) and a +20 plus/minus rating. In 39 playoff contests, he has produced nine points (3-6=9) and 44 shots.
“Jason is coming off his most productive season in the NHL and is just entering the prime of his career,” said Nill. “Organizationally, we were in the marketplace for a right-handed, two-way defenseman and he will help us tremendously in finding a balance on our blueline.”
The 6-foot-1, 195-pound native of Dorval, Quebec was originally selected by San Jose in the seventh round (186th overall) of the 2008 NHL Draft.
Dillon, 24, has posted one point (0-1=1) in 20 games this season. Signed as an undrafted free agent, he has appeared in 149 career NHL regular season games, all with the Stars, producing 26 points (9-17=26).
“We would like to thank Brenden Dillon for all of his contributions to this organization. He is a tremendous young man and we wish him well in his career.”