New Jersey Devils’ 2025-26 Report Cards: Brenden Dillon

The 2025-26 season did not go as planned for the New Jersey Devils. Instead of heading to the postseason for the second year in a row, the team faced numerous injuries and inconsistencies, resulting in a seventh-place finish in the Metropolitan Division. After going 42-37-3, the Devils need to give themselves a fighting chance for next season by acquiring depth scoring, extending the right players, and making choices that maximize their cap space. 

All season long, every player on the roster contributed one way or another, with some making a greater impact than others. Let’s take a look at Brenden Dillon, who just wrapped up his second season in New Jersey.

Dillon’s 2025-26 Performance

Dillon is an NHL veteran with 15 seasons of experience under his belt, including stints with the Dallas Stars, San Jose Sharks, Washington Capitals, and Winnipeg Jets. The Devils acquired him as an unrestricted free agent (UFA) in July 2024, signing him to a three-year, $12 million deal. Since then, he’s played two 82-game seasons, providing the lineup with grit and physicality.

This season, he made an unbelievable comeback after a severe neck injury during Game 1 of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs. At the start of training camp, Dillon revealed that he had artificial disc replacement surgery over the summer and was fortunately ready in time for the 2025-26 season.

He spent the most time paired with Simon Nemec, and the veteran spoke highly of his defense partner during exit interviews. “For myself and Nemo, to build some chemistry throughout the year…I was really happy for him, to see him have some success,” said Dillon. Together, they were on the ice for 20 Devils’ goals, 531 shot attempts, and 247 scoring chances.

As expected, Dillon led the club with 202 hits, using his size and strength in more ways than one. He was even unafraid to drop the gloves to defend his teammates, which is something that helped bolster the Devils’ confidence. However, Dillon also had a bit of an offensive flair, with three goals and 12 assists this season. Ultimately, he was a durable, physical member of the Devils’ blue line and dependable in the face of so many injuries throughout the season.

Dillon’s Impact for the Devils

Since being brought onto the team, Dillon has embraced his role as a shutdown defenseman, with a gritty style that makes him tough to play against. His defensive mindset has been an important part of the team, especially with a surplus of blue line offense from Luke Hughes and Dougie Hamilton.

Whether he’s landing hits, blocking shots, or sticking up for his teammates, Dillon brings a unique mix of experience and camaraderie, and continues to make a difference in the Devils’ lineup. He’s also celebrated quite a few milestones along the way, including his 1,000th career NHL game in December.

His 2025-26 performance even earned him a nomination for the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy. The award is given to the player who “best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey.” There’s no doubt that Dillon earned the title after overcoming a major injury and playing a full season.

However, his performance this season featured a few defensive lulls. He had a goal differential of minus-39, as compared to minus-19 last season. Dillon also had the worst shot attempts against rate among all defensemen, allowing an average of 63.79 every 60 minutes. Similarly, his rate of 3.74 goals against (GA/60) was the worst among their defensive core. But regardless, Dillon was one of the few defensemen who stood tall and remained healthy in the face of so many injuries.

Dillon’s Future With the Devils

This coming season marks the final year of Dillon’s contract, and he is eligible to sign an extension beginning July 1. It will be interesting to see if Sunny Mehta decides to re-sign him ahead of time — especially after the backlash former general manager Tom Fitzgerald received after extending Jacob Markstrom last October.

As it stands, Dillon is valuable as a physical, hard-nosed defenseman, but he could be a trade candidate in the near future. The Devils need to establish a new identity for the 2026-27 season, and should prioritize puck-moving ability as opposed to physicality. Clearing his $4 million average annual value (AAV) would also clear more cap space, and it would be easier to move him once his contract shifts to a 10-team no-trade list in July. Will Dillon have another chance to prove himself next season? Or will he be moved during the offseason?

Overall Grade

Based on his overall performance, Dillon’s final grade for 2025-26 is a B-. While he had moments of strength, he struggled at various points throughout the season — much like the rest of the team. He remains a solid presence on the Devils’ blue line, but there’s a chance that his time in New Jersey could end sooner rather than later. Much like the Hamilton situation, the Devils will have to determine if they should maximize Dillon’s value now and see what they could get in return. 

Should Dillon stay on the Devils and carry out the final year in his contract, he’ll need to keep grinding out the same kind of intense physicality while also focusing on refining his defense. Regardless, 2026-27 will be a pivotal season for the NHL veteran.