New Jersey Devils 2026-27 Player Projections: Brenden Dillon

Brenden Dillon, New Jersey Devils (Jess Starr/The Hockey Writers)

New Jersey Devils 2026-27 Player Projections: Brenden Dillon

Originally posted on The Hockey Writers | By Jess Amato | Last updated Sep 22, 2026 8:35 AM ET

The New Jersey Devils are facing a ton of pressure heading into the 2026-27 season. They have a strong team, but last season, they crumbled and missed the postseason after a solid start. The Devils are determined not to let that happen again.

Each player has a role to fill, and as we gear up for the season, we can start predicting how each player will perform as we continue our Devils’ player projections, now looking at the defense. Next up is Brenden Dillon.

2025-26 Performance

In the 2025-26 season, Dillon played in all 82 games and recorded 15 points via three goals and 12 assists. He is not the greatest offensive defenseman, but that’s fine, because that’s not what he’s on the team to do; his job is to block shots and keep the puck in the Devils’ possession.

At the end of the day, Dillon is a physical player. He led the team in hits, with 202. Paul Cotter was behind him with 192. Dillon flexed between the second and third defensive pairings due to injuries last season, but he spent the majority of his time on the third pairing. When he was on the third pairing, Dillon played alongside either Simon Nemec or Johnathan Kovacevic.

Expectations for 2026-27

Heading into the 2026-27 season, the expectations for Dillon remain the same: keep the blue line solid. He is there to keep the defense strong and make sure the top pairing is ready to get back out on the ice. Dillon’s physical game will also come in handy, playing more of an enforcer role once again in 2026-27.

This season is the last on Dillon’s three-year contract, which will make him an unrestricted free agent (UFA) at the age of 36. Dillon has been a great member of the Devils’ defense the last two seasons, and with a third season to boot, a good performance could earn him an extension with the team.

Upcoming Milestones

Heading into the 2026-27 season, Dillon has 1,056 games under his belt. If he can remain healthy for the entirety of the season again, he will reach his 1,100th game and finish the season with a total of 1,140. Dillon has had a long, storied career in the NHL, and this season will reach another great milestone for him.

Despite Dillon’s number of games, he doesn’t have many points to his name, just 227 in his career. He has just 42 goals, but he is 15 assists away from his 200th NHL assist. He recorded 12 assists in 2025-26 and 14 in the season prior, so there’s a chance he can reach another great accomplishment.

Projections for 2026-27

My bold prediction for Dillon in the 2026-27 season is that he will lead the team in hits for the second season in a row. His physical game will be crucial in moments where the Devils need to gain control of the puck. Dillon is not afraid to put his body on the line to give his team the best defense he can.

Heading into the 2026-27 season, Dillon will have to be on his A game. He will turn 36 during this season, and although he is getting up there in age, he still has a lot to show his team. If he hopes to get another contract with the Devils, a team he is very proud to be a part of, he’ll have to pull out all the stops this season.