Burning Questions For the 2025-26 Season: Sam Dickinson

With the 2025-26 season now in sight, the plan is to address the burning questions surrounding every player on the roster (or competing for a roster spot). These questions are focused on how the player is expected to contribute to the Sharks this season and what their role will be.

Sam Dickinson
6'3" 209bs
19 years old
2024 1st round pick

Last Season

London Knights (OHL)
55 games, 29 goals, 62 assists

Sam Dickinson destroyed the OHL last year with the London Knights. He set the record for most points by a defenseman for London, helping the team on its way to win consecutive OHL Championships and avenge its Memorial Cup loss from the previous year. Dickinson was named the OHL Defenseman of the Year, as well as the CHL Defenseman of the Year. Dickinson had a historic season on the blueline.

Dickinson was not only a force when creating offense, but also in the defensive zone. He played huge minutes for London in all situations and was a force multiplier for the Knights and their system. Sam Jose was asked to defend against the toughest opponents the other teams had to offer, as well as create offense for London.

Burning Question

Can Dickinson make (and stay in) the NHL?

Since Dickinson already signed his ELC last year, he is ineligible to play in the NCAA. Heading into this offseason, it has been either the NHL or back to the OHL with the former 11th overall pick.

The good news is that there could be an amendment to the CHL/NHL agreement that would allow Dickinson to join the AHL and play with the San Jose Barracuda this season. This rule is part of the new CBA, but it appears to be on the table to implement this season. It would allow each team to choose one player from the CHL to play in the AHL at the age of 19.

If the rule is not instituted, Sam Dickinson is subject to the old CHL & NHL rules, which stipulate that he can either play in the NHL this season or return to the OHL.

At 6'3" and 209 pounds, Sam Dickinson has the right frame to stick around in the NHL, and he is an excellent skater and should be able to keep up with the pace of the NHL. His biggest issue is processing the game, and unfortunately, he won't be able to work on this until he can increase the quality of competition. A year in the AHL would be a perfect stepping stone for Dickinson if he can't crack the NHL roster.

Expecations

Sam Dickinson should get his nine NHL games unless he has an absolutely disastrous preseason, and even then, the Sharks might still keep him around. As a reminder, with the nine-game rule, the contract of a player who signs their ELC before their 20th birthday can slide if they play fewer than nine NHL games in a season. If Dickinson plays less than nine games with the Sharks this season and goes back to London (or the Barracuda), his ELC doesn't kick in until the 2026-27 season. Once he plays his 10th game, the contract will officially take effect.

Sam Dickinson Is Making A Run

The London Knights are on a Golden State Warriors run. They’ve gone 12-0 this postseason and have easily been the class of the OHL. San Jose Sharks’ prospect, Sam Dickinson, is a massive reason why. After 12 games, Dickinson has posted 7 goals and 15 assists for 22 points. That

The ReefJD Young

With the Sharks not expected to compete this season, Dickinson should be in San Jose this season. He will have his ups and downs, but returning to the OHL and dominating 17-year-olds won't help Dickinson improve. The concern is that with London going through a transitional year, Dickinson might be asked to focus more on driving offense and fall into bad habits. If the option to play in the AHL is open for Dickinson, it's the clear choice for both him and the Sharks. If not, giving Dickinson a steady veteran partner like Nick Leddy could be the best option as he navigates a full NHL season as one of the youngest defensemen in the NHL.