San Jose Sharks select Sam Dickinson No. 11 overall in 2024 NHL Draft

A defenseman with a rising stock has found a home.

On Friday at The Sphere in Las Vegas, the San Jose Sharks took London Knights defenseman Sam Dickinson in the first round of the 2024 NHL Draft, No. 11 overall.

Dickinson was high on everyone’s draft board, as one of the best blueliners heading into Las Vegas. He came into the draft as the No. 7 North American skater according to NHL Central Scouting, and fourth among defensemen.

Daily Faceoff draft expert Steven Ellis believes Dickinson is one of the more underrated defensemen in this class.

“I think he’s thoroughly underrated by the average fan,” Ellis said. “A minute-muncher with the Knights, Dickinson can do a bit of everything. He’s calm with the puck, makes smart, quick decisions, and plays so well in transition.”

Ellis had Dickinson listed as the No. 9 prospect heading into Sin City.

For a 6-foot-3 defenseman, he is very efficient in his own end. Strong in front of the net, and solid at making the first pass. What has him stand out from other blueliners is his ability to move with his size. Dickinson has great footwork that allows him to keep a tight gap against oncoming opponents. The offensive side to his cannot be overlooked, as he can wheel the puck up the ice, and put it into the back of the net.

Many scouts believe his hockey IQ at his age is beyond others at his age.

The Toronto native has spent the last two seasons with the Knights, earning a spot on the Ontario Hockey League’s All-Rookie Team in 2022-23. This past season, Dickinson had a career year, scoring 18 goals and 70 points in 68 regular-season games, before adding 13 points in the playoffs as London went on to win its first J. Ross Robertson Cup in eight years. At the Memorial Cup in Saginaw, Dickinson notched two goals and two assists in four games.

So far, he has registered 93 points in 130 games with the Knights, including 21 points in 39 playoff games.

Dickinson has also represented his country a couple of times. He played on Canada Black at the 2022 Under-17 World Hockey Challenge, helping Canada win the Hlinka Gretzky Cup last year.

It is expected that Dickinson will return to Dale Hunter’s team next season and is considered a possibility at wearing the maple leaf at the World Juniors. However, if he continues to progress at this rate, he’ll be in the NHL in no time.