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#52 Dylan McIlrath
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Pos: D
D.O.B.: 4/20/92
From: Winnipeg, Man
Height: 6'5
Weight: 236
Shoots: Right
Drafted: 1st rnd 10th 2000 draft by New York Rangers
Acquired: Trade with Florida (NHL) 3/1/17 |
| Personal: |
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| Plus: Physically imposing defender uses his considerable size and strength... A devastating fighter and hitter, he excels at the physcial side of the game... Surprisingly good skater for his size... Strong defensively... Picks his spots well and does not take a lot of bad penalties...
| | Minus: Could stand to add about half a step to his skating... Not offensively gifted, and sometimes has a hard time handling the puck... |
| Organizational Comments: Griffins Head Coach Todd Nelson Since we got him our guys play a lot taller, said. just having his presence. He's a good guy in the locker room and knows his role and is playing real good hockey for us. But when the game does get ugly, he's there. |
What GRC says: 2019-20 McIlrath is off to his best start in the organization, playing with confidence and playing great defense. His skating work in the offseason added a half step to his speed which has really made a difference. He was rewarded with an extended stay in Detroit where he was actually one of the team's better blueliners and has remained at that level in his return to the AHL. His leadership and toughness were sorely missed during his NHL recall, and the team plays larger with him in the lineup.
2018-19 McIlrath had another steady but unspectacular second half for the Griffins, providing an unmatched physical presence and a steady shutdown defensive presence. His strong play also led to his first recall by the parent Wings, playing in 7 contests with a +2 defensive rating. Dylan is one of the AHL's nuclear deterrent in that his presence keeps things calm on the ice, because few players want to drop the gloves with the punishing enforcer. His leadership cannot be overstated as it is apparent on the bench and in-game how the other players look to him for advice and approval. His value to the organization was recognized with a two-year contract extension, meaning he should be back patrolling the Griffins blueline and available to help in the NHL should the need arise.
2017-18 McIlrath appeared to play through some injuries midway through the season that hampered his physical play, but was still steady defensively. The towering defender also equaled his career high in points, while setting new highs in goals (7), plus minus (+8) and shots on goal (100). He excelled with a variety of partners and was a steadying presence on the ice. He has another season left on his current contract and provided he clears waivers should look to build on his strong season with the Griffins.
2016-17 In short, McIlrath was the missing piece to the puzzle; when he was acquired, he put the team over the top for the cup run. After a whirlwind start to the season that saw him suit up for five different clubs in three organizations, McIlrath found a home in GR. It took him a few games to get his feet under him, but once he did, he played solid defense and used his imposing size and strength to keep other teams honest around the Griffins smaller, skilled players. A devastating fighter, Dylan didn't have to drop the gloves often, as his reputation preceded him, allowing him to play a regular role while still being a deterrent, something the team has missed since the departure of Brennan Evans. With a two-year contract from Detroit, it remains to be seen whether the former 1st rnd draft pick will get another chance at the NHL, but the Griffins will benefit from having him in the lineup.
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| Role: Defensive Defenseman |
| Projection: 5-6 Defender |
| Transactions |
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| 3/1/17 | Assigned by Detroit (NHL) |
| 10/2/17 | Assigned by Detroit (NHL) |
| 6/28/17 | Signed 2yr contract extension with Detroit (NHL) |
| 5/9/19 | Signed 2 yr contract extension with Detroit (NHL) |
| 4/7/19 | Assigned by Detroit (NHL) |
| 3/24/19 | Recalled by Detroit (NHL) |
| 5/9/19 | Signed 2-yr contract extension with Detroit (NHL) |
| 9/29/19 | Assigned by Detroit (NHL) |
| 11/5/19 | Recalled by Detroit (NHL) |
| 12/11/19 | Assigned by Detroit (NHL) |
| 12/12/19 | Recalled by Detroit (NHL) |
| 12/14/19 | Assigned by Detroit (NHL) |
| 1/11/21 | Placed on Waivers by Detroit for assignment |
| 1/12/21 | Asigned to Grand Rapids (AHL) |
| 2/1/21 | Assigned to Taxi Squad |
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