Bruins Buzz: Bruins Reportedly Interested In Sharks Defenseman Brenden Dillon

As suggested here on numerous occasions and most recently Tuesday, the Boston Bruins aren’t solely focused on adding a top-six winger, but also some depth on the blue line. On Tuesday we suggested Anaheim Ducks defenseman Josh Manson as a potential solution for the Bruins’ third pairing which is still in doubt thanks to Kevan Miller’s recovery from knee surgery. Well, it appears the Bruins are definitely searching for another defenseman and as expected, they’d like one that can provide the grit they’re lacking on the backend without Miller. 

On ‘TSN Insider Trading’ Tuesday night, NHL Insider Pierre LeBrun reported that the Bruins are one of six teams who are doing their due diligence on San Jose Sharks defenseman Brenden Dillon who is in the final season of a contract that carried a cap hit of $3.2 million per season. 

“He’s a No. 4 for some teams, a No. 5 for others. I can tell you half a dozen teams so far have shown interest – including, I’m told, the Boston Bruins. Obviously a rugged defensive-defenceman in Brenden Dillon would be a nice fit there in Boston.”

INSIDER TRADING: #TSNHockey Insiders discuss…

🏒 Jets’ trade deadline options
🏒 Interest in Brenden Dillon
🏒 #NHL measures for CGY/EDM this week
🏒 Sens & Pageau
🏒 Interest in KHL D Artyom Zub
🏒 Update on CBA talks

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The belief around the league is that Dillon could be had for a second-round pick – maybe even a third-round pick – and a prospect which would definitely be enticing for the Bruins, who have that to offer and are willing to do so. 

Dillon is a rugged, 6-foot-4, 225-pound defenseman who has 73 penalty minutes in 51 games played this season and 543 PIM’s in 580 career regular season games. The rugged blueliner has one goal and 11 assists this season. Dillon has spent the last five seasons with the Sharks after coming over in a trade from the Dallas Stars during the 2014-15 season. 

Murph’s Take:

Dillon would be an even better fit for the Bruins than Manson, whom I suggested the Bruins try and pry from the Anaheim Ducks if they were willing to take on David Backes’ remaining salary that has him making $4.9 million for one more season. The Bruins recently waived Backes and agreed to figure out a plan going forward with the 35-year-old veteran forward. 

There’s been a lot of chatter around the league that if former Bruin Joe Thornton agrees to waive his no-movement clause, the Bruins could try and bring back the player they drafted first overall almost 23 years ago at the 1997 NHL Entry Draft. Could a package deal involving Dillon and Thornton be discussed if and when Thornton agrees to be traded?