2024 Columbus Blue Jackets Draft Projections: Sam Dickinson
THN's own Ryan Kennedy released his Mid-Term 2024 NHL Draft Rankings: The First Round Projection on The Hockey News main site in February. And it got us thinking, who in the top 5 should the CBJ draft?
Sam Dickinson - Defense - London Knights - OHL
Young defenseman Sam Dickinson is on everyone's radar and is widely considered to be the first defenseman taken in the upcoming draft. He has slipped a little bit according to experts, finishing 7th in the NHL Central Scouting Top 32. THN's Tony Ferrari has him 10th, and TSN's Bob McKenzie has him 7th as well.
In his article from February Kennedy says about Dickinson:
Sam Dickinson, D, London (OHL): Wicked all-around defenseman who has put up more offense than a lot of us expected this season. Dickinson is hard to play against in his own zone, thanks to his details and physicality. Another player on the NHL fast-track, he's already good at the things young blueliners usually need to be taught.
Stats: Dickinson just finished his 2nd season with the London Knights. He's played in 130 games for London, scoring 27 goals and totaling 93 points. This past season was his breakout year though, where he scored 18 goals and had 70 points.
Measurements: 6-foot-3. 194 lbs
What Scouts Are Saying
mckeenshockey.com - March 17th, 2024 - He’s really good at evading pressure in the defensive end. One, because he takes great routes to retrievals and because his skating advantage allows him to be consistently first in races. But two, because he blends quick moves and quick thinking with pivots, c-cuts, and stops/starts to escape forecheckers. Then, he’s got his head up and he’s looking to push pace, either with a stretch pass or with his feet. One thing you’ll see Dickinson do often, unlocking his creativity, is using the boards for self-passes, allowing him to escape, but also build speed to initiate the breakout.
draftprospectshockey.com - November 24th, 2023 - It is rare to see a defenceman who is able to excel at all areas of the game, however, Sam Dickinson is exactly that. He is an absolute beast of a defencemen who plays big minutes and plays in all situations. Dickinson is a menace in the defensive zone hounding opponents with his physical presence and not giving them a second to breathe with his poke checks and stick lifts. His skating ability is expectational, he makes look easy and it will only continue to improve as he develops. He is a dynamic playmaker, his vision and passing ability are second to none in the OHL.
hockeywiz777scouting.com - 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.
Columbus Blue Jackets fans have plenty of reason to be excited about this draft. Whether it be a forward or one of the few defenders who will be available, they are sure to get a solid player at 4, or even if they drop to 5 or 6, they will get a prime prospect at that spot.
Let's not forget the strong connection between the Columbus Blue Jackets and London Knights as well. The pick of Sam Dickinson would only make sense as Knights Co-Owner Basil McRae also works for Columbus as Director of Player Personnel, and one could only assume that London is probably the most scouted team for the CBJ.
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Join Jason Newland's Columbus Blue Jacket page on Bunches, a new app that connects sports fans. Also, you can watch a new YouTube game show about the Blue Jackets, Around the Fifth Line.