The San Jose Sharks, a team known for its youthful energy, have made a move that solidifies their commitment to that identity for the foreseeable future – and it has implications far beyond the NHL! But here's where it gets controversial...
The Sharks have officially decided that 19-year-old defenseman Sam Dickinson will remain with the team throughout the 2025-26 season. According to Max Miller, Dickinson received his housing letter on Tuesday, confirming his spot on the roster and signaling a significant investment in his development.
Drafted 11th overall by San Jose in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft, Dickinson's early performance has shown flashes of potential. In his first 10 NHL games, he's contributed one goal, accumulated six penalty minutes, and holds a minus-two plus/minus rating. While the stats might not immediately jump off the page, remember he's a defenseman playing in his first NHL season!
Before joining the Sharks, Dickinson honed his skills with the London Knights of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) for three seasons. He was instrumental in their Memorial Cup victory during the 2024-25 season. Last season Dickinson showcased incredible offensive prowess for a defenseman, racking up an impressive 29 goals and 62 assists for a total of 91 points in just 55 regular season games. His dominance continued into the postseason, where he added another nine goals and 22 assists for 31 points in 17 games. That's nearly two points per game!
The decision to keep Dickinson in San Jose has ripple effects, particularly for Team Canada and the upcoming World Junior Championships in Minneapolis-Saint Paul, Minnesota. Dickinson still has one year of eligibility left for the prestigious tournament. Had he been available, he would have undoubtedly been a strong contender for a roster spot. And this is the part most people miss... His absence could significantly impact Canada's chances of medaling. In last year's World Juniors, Dickinson recorded zero goals and two assists in five games, as Canada failed to secure a medal for the second consecutive year. Some analysts argue that his presence alone provides a boost to the team due to his leadership and experience.
Currently, the Sharks are struggling in the Pacific Division, sitting second-to-last with 11 points in 13 games. Their schedule includes an upcoming road game against the Seattle Kraken on Wednesday, followed by home games against the Winnipeg Jets on Friday and the Florida Panthers on Saturday.
This decision begs the question: Is keeping Dickinson in the NHL the best move for his long-term development, even if it means Canada misses out on a potential World Junior medal? Could he benefit more from a dominant performance at the World Juniors, boosting his confidence and leadership skills? Or is the experience of playing against seasoned NHL veterans more valuable at this stage of his career? What do you think? Share your opinions in the comments below! Do you agree with the Sharks' decision? Or do you think Dickinson should have been released to play in the World Juniors?
