Dillon to the Capitals, DeMelo to the Jets, Scandella to the Blues
The Washington Capitals acquired defenseman Brenden Dillon from the San Jose Sharks in exchange for a second-round pick in the 2020 draft (originally belonging to Colorado) and a conditional third-rounder in 2021. The Sharks retain half of Dillon’s $3.27 million annual average salary. If the Capitals win the 2020 Stanley Cup, the 2021 third-rounder becomes the 2020 third-rounder that originally belonged to Arizona.
The Washington Capitals acquire defenseman Brenden Dillon from the San Jose Sharks (Photo via NHL.com).
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Dillon, 29, is slated to become an unrestricted free agent this summer. He’s a big, physical rearguard logging over 19 minutes of ice time per game. He’ll bring some welcome grit to the Capitals’ blueline down the stretch and into the postseason.
The Sharks appear to be getting started on selling off their UFAs to restock their prospect pipeline. With Dillon gone, perhaps forward Melker Karlsson and goaltender Aaron Dell could be next. This move could also stoke speculation over the fates of Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau.
The Winnipeg Jets acquired defenseman Dylan DeMelo from the Ottawa Senators in exchange for a third-round pick in 2020.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Jets were in the market for some experienced blueline help. DeMelo is a reliable depth rearguard carrying an affordable $900K AAV. He’s also due to become a UFA this summer. TSN’s Darren Dreger speculates Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff might not be done adding to his defense corps before deadline day.
DeMelo could be the start of another UFA selloff by the Senators. Expect the conjecture about center Jean-Gabriel Pageau’s trade status to ramp up in the coming days.
The St. Louis Blues acquired defenseman Marco Scandella from the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for a second-round pick in 2020 and a conditional fourth-rounder in 2021.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Speaking of teams selling off UFAs, this could be just the start for the Canadiens. Ilya Kovalchuk and Nate Thompson could be next out of Montreal before the deadline. This deal means the Habs have three second-rounders and 12 picks overall in this year’s draft.
Scandella appears to be a replacement for Jay Bouwmeester, who’s on long-term injured reserve recovering from a cardiac incident last week.
Didn’t bergevin get scandella for a 4th from Buffalo? 2 2nds and a 3rd for sure picks for these dmen and the haul nj and minny got for their trades it is definitely a sellers market!
There has to be some deals in the weeds otherwise Monday will be crickets .
Hate to say it this early but the Flames and Leafs look out to me. Florida as well. Martinez will help VGK . Carolina has to get in don’t they ? Should be some new sellers soon.
Leafs or panthers will be in unless buffalo or Montreal goes on a tear
It looks like 3 of the following 4 will be in from the metro: CAR, PHI, NYI, CBJ. Who is left out. At the moment, it looks like CBJ is in a free fall, with NYI close behind. CAR and PHI are both treading water. That might be all they need.
Disappointed that CAR couldn’t do better than WAS for Dillon. That wasn’t that high a price, especially with CAR holding 2 picks in each of the first 3 rounds.