Canadian defenseman Dillon Heatherington, 30, has signed a one-year contract with Red Bull Munich, the DEL team announced on Monday. This is the first contract to play in Europe for the 6-foot-4, 216-pound rearguard.

“I can’t wait to get to Munich and meet my new teammates, the organizational staff and the fans,” Heatherington was quoted in the team’s announcement. “I want to settle in quickly and get to know the city and Munich culture. The goal, of course, is to win every game. I want to quickly do my part and help us grow together as a team and improve throughout the season. I’m really looking forward to this new chapter.”

“Dillon is a player we’ve had on our radar for several years,” said GM Christian Winkler. “He’s characterized by his absolute dedication to the team and leadership qualities. He enjoys playing where things can get tough: in the corners and in front of the net.”

Originally from Calgary, Heatherington played junior hockey for the WHL’s Swift Current Broncos and was drafted in the second round, 50th overall, by the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2013.

Between 2017 and 2023, Heatherington played 23 NHL regular-season games for the Dallas Stars and Ottawa Senators, recording two assists and 33 penalty minutes. He also played one playoff game for Dallas in 2019.

Over the last two seasons, Heatherington has played in the AHL in the Ottawa and Anaheim Ducks organizations.

Erik Brännström Signs Multi-Year Deal In Switzerland Swedish defenseman Erik Brännström, 25, has signed a three-year contract with Lausanne HC, the National League club announced on Monday.

Internationally, Heatherington won gold medals for Canada at the 2013 IIHF U-18 World Championship and at the 2015 World Juniors.

“Dillon comes to Munich highly motivated,” Winkler continued. “The discussions that coach Oliver David, Neville Rautert, and I had with him and his former coaches and teammates have strengthened our resolve to bring him into our organization. With him, we have a new ‘sheriff’ in the Olympic Park.”

Munich has been a perennial powerhouse in Germany over the past decade but since its most recent title in 2023, the team has had a couple of fifth-place finishes and was knocked out in the quarterfinals last year. The club has under contract next season ex-NHLers Tobias Rieder, Will Butcher, Ryan Murphy and Taro Hirose.

Photo © David Kirouac-Imagn Images

Will Butcher Finds New Home In Germany American defenseman Will Butcher, 29, has signed a contract to play the remainder of the current season with EHC Red Bull Munich, <a href="https://www.redbullmuenchen.de/de/news/will-butcher-kommt-zum-ehc-red-bull-muenchen">the German DEL club has announced</a>.