San Jose Sharks top defense prospect Sam Dickinson will make his NHL debut against the Anaheim Ducks on Saturday.
Sharks head coach Ryan Warsofsky confirmed the 19-year-old will play during his post-practice media availability on Friday.
“We’re still going through that process,” Warsofsky said about who will come out of the Sharks’ lineup for Dickinson.
During practice on Friday, the San Jose Sharks defenseman was paired with Dmitry Orlov. Orlov and Dickinson are left-handed players. Orlov will play his “off-side” on the right if they are paired.
Fellow top prospect Michael Misa appears to he will have to wait another game for his NHL debut. Warsofsky said they are on different plans, but he won’t be out of the lineup for long.
“Go out, compete, be yourself, and have fun,” Warsofsky said about his message to Dickinson. “We lose the fact that this is a great game. This is his first NHL game. Just go play your game, and we’ll coach you through the mistakes. You just give us everything you got.”
Sharks top center and fellow 2024 NHL Draft pick Macklin Celebrini told reporters that he knows Dickinson is ready for his debut.
“He’s got it. He’s played a bunch of preseason games, and he’s handled himself really well,” Celebrini said. “Playing with him, he’s easy to play with. The passes he makes and the decisions he makes. I can’t wait to see it.”
Dickinson was not part of any Sharks power play units during Friday’s practice.
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