Sam Dickinson Scouting Reports

Dickinson logs a massive amount of ice time playing in London. He's deployed in all situations, but his primary ice time comes at even strength and the power-play. Dickinson is an effortless skater. He looks like he isn't pushing himself, to get from point 'A' to point 'B', at times but it speaks to the efficiency of his stride. Dickinson possesses high end offensive upside and the ability to quarterback the power-play. There are times he could provide more urgency, and detail, defensively but it's also not something to be overly concerned about / should improve as he matures. Dickinson produced 18G-52A in the regular season for the Knights.

2-way 'D' with a transitional element as well.
Excellent skater. Fluid. Effortless.
Good size. Not punishing physically. Bumps opponents off the play / uses his long reach to keep plays to the perimeter.
Sees the ice. Outlets long range accurately. Has the ability to lead the rush on his own or join as as an extra layer offensively.
Minute muncher. Used in all situations at the junior level. Trending top pairing NHL 'D'.

Dickinson could be the first defenceman off the board. The left shot defenceman brings a combination of size (6'3 194lbs) and skill. He's being used in all situations with London. Dickinson has the ability to skate pucks out of trouble from deep in his zone, and the awareness to chip the play to open space when under duress. He's a capable play maker on the power-play. He also has a booming shot from distance that can beat goalies clean. Defensively, he is best described as solid, not spectacular. His size, and length are definitely assets that assist with keeping opponents to the perimeter but he could be more physically assertive at times.
Overall, there really aren't any red flags with his game. Dickinson projects as a potential top pairing NHL defenceman who can be used in all situations.

One of the top ranked prospects for the 2024 NHL entry draft.
Logs a ton of ice time playing for London in the OHL.
Excellent skater, at young age, for his stature.
He's capable of escaping pressure deep in his zone and leading the rush on his own.
When he gets an opportunity to rip pucks on net, he has a heavy/accurate shot that can beat goalies, at the junior level, from range.
With the amount of ice time he logs mistakes, sometimes occur. There are times his distribution could be more crisp / where he places a puck breaking out of his zone can be more accurate and safe.
Projects as a '2-way D' with a secondary 'Transitional' element. Hockey sense to be deployed in all situations.