Ex-Jets star Brenden Dillon explains his decision to join New Jersey Devils in free agency

Brenden Dillon on Saturday discussed his decision to join the New Jersey Devils in free agency. The former Winnipeg Jets defenseman said he was "stressed" at entering free agency for the first time in 13 years, but also excited at what was in store.

, Dillon said:

"It is craziness. This was my first time testing the UFA market," Dillon said on The Hockey PDOcast with Dimitri Filipovic. "You are anxious. You are stressed. You are also excited at the same time."

Dillon joined the Jets before the start of the 2021-22 season. In his three-season-long stint with the Jets, he reached the 20-point mark in every campaign. He clocked close to 70 penalty minutes in each of the three seasons.

The 2023-24 season was particularly impressive as he scored a career-high eight points and amassed 92 penalty minutes.

After the expiry of his four-year contract, worth $15,600,000, which he signed with the Washington Capitals (traded to Jets) back in 2020, Dillon became a free agent on July 1. He opted to test the market as an unrestricted free agent (UFA) and signed with the Devils.

Dillon said he was impressed by the Devils' decision to acquire goaltender Jacob Markstrom and the hiring of head coach Sheldon Keefe. He also heard the speculation about defenseman Brett Pesce joining the team. The enthusiasm around the Devils caught his attention, and he felt drawn to be a part of it.

“When Jersey came, I mean, I know there was interest from them at the trade deadline this year... "Just to feel valued and feel that you can be a big part of that team and something that they're maybe looking for, the style of play," Dillon said.

"You see how aggressive they were with trading for Markstrom. And you hear the rumors and you read on Twitter, Pesce might be coming there. And then even the moves that they've talked about and done with Sheldon Keefe coming in, just a lot of excitement. And that's the type of thing I want to be a part of. I want to be a part of something special.”

Despite receiving similar offers from multiple teams, Dillon felt New Jersey was the best fit for him.

Brenden Dillon is now part of a defensive lineup that features Jonas Siegenthaler, Dougie Hamilton, Brett Pesce, Luke Hughes and Simon Nemec. Additionally, general manager Tom Fitzgerald bolstered the team's defensive depth with Johnathan Kovacevic, Nick DeSimone and Colton White.

Brenden Dillon talks about how he can help the Devils

Brenden Dillon will bring a physical presence to the Devils, being a great enforcer and a solid defender. Standing 6'4" tall, and weighing 225 pounds, he emerged as Winnipeg’s leading player in hits last season. He had 241 hits and does not shy away from fisticuffs on the rink.

“We have so much speed and skill and physicality and compete,” Dillon said on Wednesday. “I feel I can bring those intangibles to be able to help us win those hockey games. Those tight games, those skilled games. You’re going to need to win all different type of ways." (via NHL.com)

“I feel like I can be a big piece for us... I bring that hard to play against, that below the goal line, front of the net is not going to be an easy place to come to. Being a presence on the ice. I just want my teammates to feel like they know that someone has got their back. I just want to find the way I can fit into the group and just be Brendan Dillon.”

Brenden Dillon has played 892 regular-season and 83 playoff games and can be a great addition to the Devils.