SAM DICKINSON

Defense
6’3/194
Left
London Knights/OHL

Related: Aron Kiviharju

At 6-foot-3, Dickinson is as big as they get among top-flight, mobile defenders. He’s a strong skater, a smart puck-mover, can shoot the disk accurately and his defensive game is consistent and reliable. Dickinson doesn’t give you much room to work with, which makes him so effective. Dickinson didn’t light the OHL on fire with his scoring – with just 23 points in 62 games – but he’s mobile, comfortable with the puck, and shows poise in his own end. He plays well with the puck, though he may not be the type of visionary playmaker that one can expect to quarterback a power play or score a nifty end-to-end goal. He’s a mobile 6-foot-3 defender with a high motor and offense in his game. I wouldn’t call him the most instinctive puck-mover in the world, but he has good skill and can make some plays. He’s also a shot threat. Dickinson is an exciting prospect to watch develop. He has a solid enough playoff run with London this year, but will likely have more responsibility next season. Sam Dickerson should be one of the top two defensemen selected in the 2024 Draft.

Size/Strength Excellent
Skating Excellent
Shot/Scoring Average
Puckhandling Good
Physical Play Great
Offensive Play Good
Defensive Play Great
Hockey Sense Excellent
Competitiveness Great

Strengths

1. Excellent Skating defenseman, smart puck-mover, and can be used in all situations
2. Massive Defenseman with outstanding physical tools
3. Has excellent work ethic and an elite Hockey IQ

Areas of Improvement

1. Not the most dynamic offensive talent
2. Could benefit from improving his shot power

Scouting Report

Sam Dickinson is a strong, 6 foot 3 defenseman who skates well, plays well and has some skill and poise with the puck, which he showed more as the season progressed last season and during the Hlinka Gretzky Cup. While not the most dynamic player with the puck, he makes good reads and runs efficient plays, to set up chances for his teammates. He’s extremely effective when leading an attack and shows great composure making the right plays at key moments. Dickinson leans more towards being a two-way defenceman, but his skating and hockey IQ are elite, but he is expected to be used in all situations again next year in London. Dickinson is blessed with gifted physical tools, plus his potential as a point-producing defenseman, leaves scouts drooling. He’s a strong skater, a smart puck-mover, can shoot the disk accurately and his defensive game is consistent and reliable. Dickinson is an exciting prospect to watch develop. He has a solid enough playoff run with London this year, but will likely have more responsibility next season. At 17 years old, Dickinson was given top 4 responsibility by the London Knights, something they typically don’t do, which should speak to how special a talent Sam Dickinson is. He’s a strong playmaker and is just as effective within his own zone, showing great defensive awareness and gap control. He can be relied on in any situation and playing for Mark and Dale Hunter, he’s up for the increased workload. There’s a good chance that Sam Dickinson is going to have a strong breakout season with the London Knights in his draft year, and could end up at top 5 pick. An NHL comparison for Sam Dickinson is Miro Heiskanen, who isn’t as big as Dickinson is but has a very similar skillset to him. There is little to no doubt that Sam Dickinson will be a top 4 defenseman in the NHL.

Skill: Two-way defenceman, with effortless skating ability and excellent Hockey IQ

NHL Comparable: Miro Heiskanen

NHL Potential: Top 4 Two-Way Defenseman

Season	Team	League	GP	G	PTS
2022-23	London Knights	OHL	83	13	31
	Canada Black U17 “C”	WHC-17	7	1	2
2023-24	London Knights	OHL	8	3	9
	Canada U18 “A”	Hlinka Gretzky Cup	5	0	3

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