Impressive Performance by Sam Dickinson Raises Eyebrows Among Chicago Blackhawks Scouts
As the CHL Top Prospects match concludes and the testing results emerge, notable attention is drawn to the impressive performance of a particular Chicago Blackhawks prospect. During this week’s testing drills, Sam Dickinson, a defenseman for the London Knights of the OHL, showcased remarkable skill.
Of particular note was Dickinson’s first-place finish in both the forward and reverse 30m skating drills while carrying the puck, securing him second place overall among his peers. Such agility and speed displayed by the 6’3, 204-pound defenseman, known for his versatility to play on either side, further solidifies his potential as a top-5 pick in the upcoming 2017 draft.
Hailing from Toronto and in his second full season with the London Knights at just 17 years old, Dickinson’s well-rounded game earns him trust in all situations. Despite his reputation as a defensive defenseman, he ranks fourth among OHL defenders in goals scored, with 13 goals in 43 games (42 points overall). Notably, fellow draft-eligible player Zayne Parekh leads with an impressive 22 goals.
Howitzer Hockey produced a video featuring an interview with Sam Dickinson discussing his game, alongside highlights from his past two years. Despite often having a size advantage, Dickinson’s exceptional positioning allows him to counter opponents effectively through gap coverage, rush attacks, and forechecking.
Playing alongside nine drafted skaters on a highly competitive and well-coached London team, Dickinson often faces the challenge of containing the opposing team’s strongest forward group. His career has been marked by such distinction, and he continues to refine his skills to bolster his draft year resume.
In terms of NHL projection, Dickinson’s fluid skating, quick transitions, and adept puck-carrying abilities are highly valued, particularly by the Blackhawks’ management, emphasizing the importance of skating prowess in their future draft selections.
Regarding his potential in the NHL, Dickinson’s overall skill set leaves little to criticize, positioning him as a safe bet for a first-round selection, perhaps second only to Macklin Celebrini. Given the emphasis on size, skating ability, and situational experience, Dickinson is likely to be highly considered by teams drafting in the top 10, especially within the top 5.
While Dickinson may lack the flashy offensive prowess of some peers, his physicality and professionalism in managing defensive duties stand out. As the NHL draft approaches, competition among top defensive prospects like Artyom Levshunov, Zayne Parekh, Anton Silayev, and Zeev Buium intensifies, potentially all vying for top 10 selections.
At just 17 years old, Sam Dickinson offers a rare and clear projection as a first-pairing NHL defenseman. With a well-rounded skill set and a young age for his draft class, Dickinson is poised for an early call-up in the draft, prompting speculation whether the Chicago Blackhawks, under the leadership of Kyle Davidson, will make the decisive call.
