Winnipeg Jets Free Agents 2024: Brenden Dillon – Hockey Writers – Winnipeg Jets

The end of the Winnipeg Jets' season was sudden and raised many questions much earlier than expected. Focusing on offseason activities, the Jets' current unrestricted free agents take center stage. Several key players are coming to the end of their deals and many are questioning what their future holds. This series of articles asks the question: will they stay in Winnipeg or will they move on?

Today's free agent is Jets quarterback Brenden Dillon as he becomes an unrestricted free agent. Dillon has expressed his love for the city of Winnipeg in the past and would obviously be open to an expansion, but now it appears to be up in the air.

After a successful contract season, the buzz surrounding Dillon has grown, leaving fans to wonder if they can wait for the tough quarterback to return next season or if they should prepare to move on.

Great job on the top 4

Dillon has been a mainstay in the Jets' defensive back four for the past three seasons, and 2023-24 will be no different. Linked effectively with Neil Pionk on the second pairing, Dillon averaged nearly 19 minutes of ice time per game and enjoyed individual success in his role.

Related: Jets 2024 unrestricted free agent preview

Having never been a commanding offense, getting extra points from Dillon was a huge plus for the Jets' backfield. After scoring eight goals in the regular season and adding another in the playoffs, his nine total goals this season marks a new NHL career high. In fact, it was his most goals in the Western Hockey League since his junior days with the Seattle Thunderbirds.

Now, that's not to say that Dillon has completely changed his game to flex his offensive muscle, but it has shown that he's willing to mix in both his shot selection and offensive aggressiveness. Combining that with an already strong, physical defensive game, the Jets got a lot out of the big quarterback this season.

Team participation

Size and physicality are key to Dillon's game, and for the second straight season, he led the team with a career-high 241 tackles. It's who he is, and it's an aspect of his game that fans love. He doesn't hit the opposing team easily and that's something he's very good at.

It is also one of those that often answers the call when called upon to fight or defend its teammates. Dillon has compiled seven tackles this season, tied with Adam Lowry.

One of the things now-retired head coach Rick Bowness wanted to instill was a culture of “you go for one of us, you get all of us,” and Dillon was one of the keys to establishing that on the ice. It was a true reflection of that mentality that he was often the first to pounce after a bad hit, and he, along with few other players, understood that identity well.

On the way out?

On May 15, it was reported that Dillon's camp had not heard from the Jets about extension talks, which would seem to indicate that he is highly likely to reach free agency. That goes hand in hand with the fact that he hasn't heard anything about offers going into the season. It's worth noting that since the team is still in the process of finding a new head coach to determine their future, free agent negotiations may be a secondary priority.

Of course, the Jets value Dillon as both a player and a person, which will obviously make it difficult for both player and team to part ways this season. That said, it may be time for a divorce.

I was told about the possibility of Brenden Dillon coming back #NHLJets next year the best is slimmer and he will be a UFA.

Sources say Dillon's camp has not received an offer and has not discussed an extension in the offseason. He hasn't heard from the team since it ended.

— Scott Billeck (@ScottBilleck) May 15, 2024

Because Dillon's physical style is so physically demanding, a player who plays this way into his mid-thirties is always at increased risk of injury. He turns 34 next season and with younger defensemen ready to step into the lineup, it may be time to give these guys some extra minutes.

It also serves the player quite a bit, as Dillon would like to have a few years of tenure that would take him to the other side of the 35-year-old. It also makes it more likely that he will end up in reduced minutes, which is something that all players will find somewhat unpleasant.

If Dillon wants to remain a top-four player for the next few seasons, this could be the end of his time as a Jet. That doesn't mean the best thing for the Jets is moving on, as they'll certainly miss his toughness and team-first approach, but it's hard to see either side getting what they want out of a potential deal. .

However, with Dylan Samberg set to replace Dillon on the second pairing, it looks like things are about to end. That's often how these deals end up, with veterans agreeing to move on in favor of younger players waiting in the wings.

If this is indeed the end of his time in Winnipeg, he has clearly made his mark. Affectionately known as “Dillie” by fans and teammates alike, he would go on to play a huge role in helping shape the team's culture over several defining seasons.