San Jose Sharks top defenseman prospect Sam Dickinson was named the Canadian Hockey League’s Defenseman of the Year.
This comes as a high honor after the London Knights d-man was named OHL Defenseman of the Year in April.
The 2024 No. 11 pick had a sparkling year that culminated with terrific individual and team awards. Along with Sharks prospect Kasper Halttunen, Dickinson and the Knights captured both the OHL Championship and the Memorial Cup.
Dickinson set a London Knights record for points by a defenseman with 91 (29 goals, 62 assists). In 17 postseason games, the top San Jose Sharks prospect added another 31 points (nine goals, 22 assists).
The freshly turned 19-year-old is just the second defenseman drafted by the Sharks to win the CHL defenseman of the Year. Only Brad Stuart has won the award for his 1998-1999 season with the Regina Pats and Calgary Hitmen.
Is Dickinson ready to make the Sharks’ opening night roster?
Making the San Jose Sharks roster out of training camp is the obvious goal for Sam Dickinson. At 19, playing defense in the NHL will be a physical and mental challenge.
While the highly offensive d-man will likely produce at a lesser rate if he were to make the NHL, the future remains bright for the Sharks.
Dickinson’s production and development with the Knights this season prove he’s capable of being a No. 1 NHL defenseman.
In two preseason games with the San Jose Sharks in 2024-2025, Dickinson was a clear step behind. He was -3 and didn’t record a point. While he wasn’t expected to make a push for the NHL roster, he left fans and possibly others wanting a little more.
His play this season proved that a tough preseason was no cause for concern. Dickinson already signed his entry-level contract before returning to London.
With spots open on the Sharks’ blue line, Dickinson is coming in with tons of momentum after a spectacular season in juniors.
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