Former Thunderbirds defenceman Dillon hits 1,000 NHL games
Newark, N.J. – Former Seattle Thunderbirds defenceman Brenden Dillon became the latest member of the NHL’s 1,000 club as his New Jersey Devils dropped a 5-3 decision to the Columbus Blue Jackets on Monday at Prudential Center.
The 35-year-old Dillon serves as a story of inspiration and a reminder to never give up in pursuing your dreams. Undrafted into the WHL, he signed a WHL Standard Player Agreement with the Seattle Thunderbirds and went on to play 280 career WHL games, scoring 94 points (11G-83A) from 2007-08 to 2010-11. He served as captain of the Thunderbirds in his final season.
Passed over in the NHL Draft, the 6-foot-4, 225-pound Dillon signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Dallas Stars on March 1, 2011. Within two seasons, he had become an NHL regular.
“I just wanted to get one (NHL game),” Dillon, while fighting off tears, shared with media prior to Monday’s game. “I’m just happy, excited, and so thankful to play in the best league in the world. From every coach I’ve had, to player, to teammate, it’s been awesome.”
Over 15 NHL seasons, Dillon has spent time with the Stars (2011-12 to 2014-15), San Jose Sharks (2014-15 to 2019-20), Washington Capitals (2019-20 to 2020-21), Winnipeg Jets (2021-22 to 2023-24), and Devils (2024-25 to present).
Known for his shutdown prowess, Dillon’s best offensive campaign came in 2022-23 when he registered 23 points (2G-21A) on the blueline for the Jets.
Across 1,000 NHL games, the pride of Surrey, B.C., has collected 221 points (42G-179A). In 2016, he helped the San Jose Sharks advance to the Stanley Cup Finals for the first and only time in franchise history, before they fell to the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Dillon has made 10 trips to the Stanley Cup Playoffs, appearing in 84 games and tallying 15 points (1G-14A).
In 2013, he represented Canada at the IIHF World Championship, co-hosted in Stockholm, Sweden, and Helsinki, Finland. Dillon skated in eight games, recording one assist.
Honoring the guy who stood up, squared up, and never backed down on his way to 1,000. pic.twitter.com/Sk02vy7nxy
— New Jersey Devils (@NJDevils) December 2, 2025
Silver stick season ✅
Undrafted to 1,000 NHL career games played – congrats to Brenden Dillon 👏 pic.twitter.com/TCbDRuyq81
— NHLPA (@NHLPA) December 2, 2025
A milestone night for Brenden Dillon 🌟
Presented by @ServiceNow pic.twitter.com/Z4TJPmZ5o0
— NHL (@NHL) December 2, 2025
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