New Jersey Devils defenseman Brenden Dillon will skate in his 900th career NHL game Saturday against the Washington Capitals.
On Saturday night, New Jersey Devils defenseman Brenden Dillon will skate onto the ice for his 900th career NHL game.
His hockey journey began with the Dallas Stars. Over the next ten years, he played for the San Jose Sharks, Washington Capitals, and Winnipeg Jets before finding a home in New Jersey this past summer.
After the team’s morning skate, Kristy Flannery of The Hockey News interviewed Dillon about his NHL career to this point.
The Hockey News: You went from being an undrafted player to playing 900 NHL games. When you think of this 13-year journey that started with signing your entry-level contract, what is the first thing that comes to mind?
Dillon: Yeah, I don’t even know what to say. I was just looking for one (game), let alone 900. Yeah, it is kind of crazy. For me, I am just super lucky and fortunate. A lot of incredible teammates, coaches, the whole nine yards. It sounds so cliche, but it is true. I wouldn’t have gotten here if it hadn’t been for a lot of help and work from a lot of other people. I am just extremely fortunate and lucky.
THN: Lisa Kudrow has publicly spoken about how it took a few years to settle into her Friends character, Phoebe Buffay. Did it take time to settle in and understand what it means to be an NHL player, or did everything immediately click for you?
Dillon: I think it definitely took a while for me to find an identity and figure out what my role and niche should be if I wanted to be a full-time NHLer. I would say it definitely took a bunch of years, even as you said, year 13 now. You always want to have a good practice and be your best. I don’t know if you ever feel truly comfortable.
THN: You’re seven games into a three-year contract with the Devils. Of course, the goal is to bring the Stanley Cup to New Jersey, but on a smaller and more personal scale, is there anything else you want to be remembered for during your time here, whether on the ice or in the locker room?
Dillon: I would say just being a good teammate and being a guy who had a connection with every one of my teammates. Just remembered as a guy that is a big part of the team. I think for my role, I am not this big goal-scoring or flashy guy, but I feel like what I can bring to the table, and the puzzle piece I can be does have an important role, and I think I can be a big contributor. I am just someone who wants to be remembered in a positive way.
THN: I believe sports can teach valuable lessons that can be applied in other areas of life. My conversations with athletes over the past few seasons have taught me so much. Brenden, what is one thing you have learned at the rink that has helped you in everyday life?
Dillon: Yeah, 100 percent. I mean, lots of things, but I would say the biggest one is just how to socially connect with different people. I think in the locker room, you’ve got everybody from 35-40-year-old guys to 18-19-year-old guys. With that being said, (it is) different facets of life. Some guys go home to play video games all day, and some guys go home to hang out with three kids and be a dad. You have to be able to find common ground to connect with different people.
Even with the coaching staff, right? They have a different role and maybe it’s not always the most comfortable conversations, but how do you get out of those (conversations) with what you needed from that. (It’s) connecting with a teammate or understanding a message that needs to come from a coach or general manager.
THN: Lastly, if you could pick one song right now to describe your hockey journey leading to this moment of preparing for this milestone game, what would it be?
Dillon: I’m Still Standing by Elton John.
“I’m still alive feeling like a little kid,” that’s me. A lot of people have doubted me from a young age, and I am continuing to prove them wrong.
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