San Jose Sharks top defense prospect Sam Dickinson skated in San Jose for the first time since the 2024 pre-season.
The 19-year-old wrapped up a season in which he won multiple individual and team awards for the London Knights. Participating in his second Sharks development camp, Dickinson showed complete confidence.
Without reading too much into the skate, the Sharks’ d-man looked a level ahead of every other Sharks prospect on the ice with him.
“I was looking forward to coming down here. [I] felt good. [It’s] day one, so I think [I was] just knocking some rust off. I haven’t skated like that in a while,” Dickinson said.
Development camp isn’t meant to be viewed as a time for prospects to prove they belong in the NHL. It is an opportunity for teams, including the Sharks, to evaluate their players.
Are they doing the right things off the ice? Do they ask questions and pay attention in meetings? Are they getting along with their new teammates?
San Jose Barracuda head coach John McCarthy is leading San Jose Sharks development camp and says those traits are the primary focus for his staff to look at.
“These camps are, some guys are ahead of others, as far as you know, where they’re at in their development,” McCarthy said. “For me, it’s their approach. Are they coachable? Coming in, paying attention to meetings? Are they engaged [and] asking the right questions?”
How is Dickinson fitting in with the rest of the Sharks’ dev camp attendees?
For Dickinson, his goal is to come in, work, and be a good teammate. He is specifically excited to be a teammate of 2025 No. 2 overall pick, Michael Misa.
“I was pretty happy. It’s nice to have a guy come here and [be] the player that he is. It’s really exciting,” Dickinson said. “I’ve played against him for far too long. It’ll be a change playing with him for once.”
Misa and Dickinson had many battles in the OHL, including the OHL Championship series. Now, as teammates on the San Jose Sharks, they can create magic. Dickinson also wants his Knights teammate Kasper Halttunen to join the fun eventually.
“I think that would be nice,” Dickinson said about the three Sharks prospects connecting for a goal. “I’d rather [Misa] put the puck in the net for us rather than against us.”
Sam Dickinson knows he is coming off a tremendous season in the OHL. Now he wants to use the success of winning everything as momentum.
“I think it’s just taking what worked for me. It’s a completely different level here. Hopefully, [this is what] the next level is for me,” Dickinson said. “It’s completely different. [It’s about] understanding that there’s a big jump to be had. But at the same time, sticking with what’s got me to where I have.”
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