Navigating Stability Amidst Turmoil: Jason Dickinson’s Impact on the 2023-24 Chicago Blackhawks

In the midst of the chaos surrounding the 2023-24 Chicago Blackhawks, where injuries, contract terminations, constant losses, and overall uncertainty prevail, finding stability becomes a challenging task. Such adversities can initiate a downward spiral that tests the team’s resilience. In the face of these hardships, a consistent and guiding voice is crucial, and that role has been effectively filled by Jason Dickinson.

Not only is Dickinson experiencing a standout season in his career, but he is also consistently motivating the Blackhawks to improve both on and off the ice. Let’s delve into the impact he has had on the team this season.

Dickinson’s Arrival to the Blackhawks

It’s amusing how Jason Dickinson’s arrival to the Blackhawks was, in essence, a serendipitous addition. Acquired from the Vancouver Canucks in October 2022, he was essentially a “throw-in” to facilitate a trade for a 2024 second-round draft pick. Vancouver, in need of shedding salary, parted ways with Dickinson, who had experienced a career-worst season with 11 points in 62 games after signing a three-year, $7.95 million contract. Acting as a salary cap dump, the Blackhawks seized the opportunity to acquire assets for their rebuilding phase, recognizing the 28-year-old’s seven years of NHL experience and potential as a reliable veteran center for the lineup. Dickinson’s productivity had also been impacted by a broken hand during his time with the Canucks, contributing to the belief that he could bounce back. It turned out to be a wise gamble.

Upon his arrival in Chicago, Dickinson expressed the contrast in his experience, noting that he could tune out external pressures, a luxury he enjoyed during his six years with the Dallas Stars. He stated, “I was able to just shut off and not think, just play [with the Stars]. And that’s all I’ve got to do with the Hawks” (from ‘Jason Dickinson’s trade came as a surprise- ‘I didn’t see it coming’- but the forward is embracing his move to the Chicago Blackhawks’ – Chicago Tribune – 10/15/2022). Dickinson indeed lived up to that sentiment.

During the previous season, he played roles in both the top-six and bottom-six positions. As Patrick Kane and Max Domi were traded at the deadline, Dickinson assumed more of a top-six role and excelled, registering 30 points in 78 games, a career-high. Now, in the current season, he continues to surpass previous career highs.

The Blackhawks Under Jason Dickinson’s Leadership

Assessing Dickinson’s performance this season easily showcases his offensive prowess even at a glance. Ranking as the third-highest scorer on the Blackhawks with 21 points and securing the second spot in goals with 14 (just behind Connor Bedard’s 15 goals), Dickinson has already surpassed his previous career-high of 9 goals. On the current trajectory, he is poised to conclude the season with an impressive 28 goals and 42 points, shattering his personal best from the previous season.

The signs of a successful year were evident early on, even during training camp. Dickinson expressed anticipation about returning to a more natural bottom-six role compared to the previous season. Throughout the season, he has been a constant presence on the third line, contributing to one of the Blackhawks’ most effective lines, regardless of his linemates—be it Nick Foligno, Corey Perry, Tyler Johnson, Taylor Hall, or Joey Anderson. Night after night, Dickinson’s offensive contributions and gritty play have posed challenges for opponents.

While currently thrust back into a top-six role due to injuries to Bedard, Beauvillier, and Johnson, Dickinson remains a steady force. He is currently on a three-game point streak (2 goals, 1 assist), including a crucial go-ahead goal that put the Blackhawks up 1-0 early against the Edmonton Oilers on Jan. 9. Additionally, Dickinson leads the team in shooting percentage (21.9%), faceoff wins (46.6% success rate), takeaways (34), and shares the best plus/minus (plus-9) with defenseman Alex Vlasic. Across all facets of the game, he continues to be a leader on the ice.

JASON ARE YOU SERIOUS pic.twitter.com/8huw7PgCiR

— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) January 10, 2024

Nevertheless, his impact extends beyond the on-ice contributions. Dickinson has consistently embodied the qualities of a quiet leader with a probing intellect. While he has always provided insightful observations about the team’s rebuild, his voice has become more prominent this season. This became evident on Dec. 22 during the Blackhawks’ 5-2 loss to the Montreal Canadiens when he called for increased accountability, emphasizing the need to figure things out despite the challenges of being a young team. His vocal advocacy for improvement reflects his commitment to instilling winning habits within the team.

Dickinson has not only been a vocal advocate but also a supportive teammate. During a period when nine players were placed on the injured reserve, he actively called for reinforcements. Additionally, when Bedard suffered a fractured jaw on Jan. 5 after a hit by Brendan Smith of the New Jersey Devils, Dickinson demonstrated exceptional leadership. Despite the early setback, Dickinson took it upon himself to get the team on the scoreboard, scoring the first goal in a game they ultimately lost 4-2. This resilience and team-focused approach contribute to building confidence within the Blackhawks.

His leadership qualities were further acknowledged when he received the alternate captain nod after Seth Jones went down with a left shoulder injury in December. Dickinson’s ability to lead both on and off the ice underscores his significance to the team’s dynamics.

Does Dickinson Have a Future with the Blackhawks?

During the preseason, Foligno highlighted Dickinson’s reliability and strong sense of responsibility. Head coach Luke Richardson commended his well-rounded game, emphasizing how Dickinson consistently plays the right way, setting a positive example for the entire team. As a pending free agent at the end of the season, Dickinson is likely to attract attention in the trade market, but there’s speculation, as reported by Scott Powers of The Athletic, that the Blackhawks may consider re-signing him, along with Foligno, Anderson, and Petr Mrazek, provided the terms align.

While management faces a challenging decision, Dickinson is making a compelling case to remain with the team. His positive impact on both leadership and on-ice production positions him as a valuable asset. Looking ahead, he could bring essential knowledge and leadership to a team that will continue to be young and ambitious in the upcoming season.

Regardless of the outcome, Dickinson is enjoying his time, expressing, “I’m shooting the puck a lot more, shooting it more accurately. Definitely has to be some puck luck in there.” His multifaceted contributions, encompassing leadership and a relentless pursuit of improvement, stand out, especially amid adversity with seven players still on injured reserve. There’s even speculation that he might be the Blackhawks’ representative for the All-Star Game in February, given Bedard’s absence for six to eight weeks. If selected, it would undoubtedly be a well-deserved honor.

Considering his consistent performance and growing fan support, Dickinson, initially a seemingly secondary figure in the trade, has become indispensable. As one of the two players who have played in every game this season (alongside Connor Murphy), he demonstrates unwavering commitment and has successfully won over the fanbase. The mutual benefits derived from the trade highlight a successful partnership between the Blackhawks and Dickinson, prompting curiosity about the potential continuation of this collaboration in the future.