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Capitals: Grading their trades after the NHL Trade deadline

ByMichael Marzzacco|
WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 20: Brenden Dillon #4 of the Washington Capitals in action against the Montreal Canadiens during the third period at Capital One Arena on February 20, 2020 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 20: Brenden Dillon #4 of the Washington Capitals in action against the Montreal Canadiens during the third period at Capital One Arena on February 20, 2020 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
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WASHINGTON, DC – FEBRUARY 23: Linesman James Tobias breaks up Evgeni Malkin #71 of the Pittsburgh Penguins and Brenden Dillon #4 of the Washington Capitals during the first period at Capital One Arena on February 23, 2020 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – FEBRUARY 23: Linesman James Tobias breaks up Evgeni Malkin #71 of the Pittsburgh Penguins and Brenden Dillon #4 of the Washington Capitals during the first period at Capital One Arena on February 23, 2020 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

Brenden Dillon

The Capitals first traded for San Jose Sharks defensemen Brenden Dillon for a second round pick that was originally from the Colorado Avalanche as well as a conditional 2021 third rounder with San Jose agreeing to retain 50 percent of Dillon’s cap hit.

Dillon had recorded 14 points in 59 games with the Sharks with a goal and 13 assists and is on pace for his third straight season with 20 points. He recorded six penalty minutes so far in his three games with the Caps including a fight at the end of the first period against the Pittsburgh Penguins that made him an immediate fan favorite.

Dillon has been on the top pair with John Carlson and it is likely he’ll remain there for the remainder of the season as the defense looks to improve. This will be a tough Metropolitan Division to win and no matter who is in net for the Capitals on any given night, the importance of the defense cannot be stressed enough.

Grade A: This was a big upgrade and I see Dillon performing better than a Michal Kempny, and Kempny was a great trade deadline pickup a couple seasons ago. Another brilliant trade by General Manager Brian MacLellan.

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