With eight points in his last three games, Sam Dickinson enters the new year as OHL Player of the Week.

2024 NHL Draft eligible defenceman Sam Dickinson has added yet another feather into his cap — being named OHL Player of the Week. 

Dickinson has had quite the season from the London Knights blue line, and has established himself among the top defenceman eligible for the NHL Draft in June. 

The first time you watch Dickinson, you will believe you're watching a 28-year-old veteran defender. His level of maturity and complete game is unlike anything we've seen in recent years from a seventeen-year-old, especially coming out of the OHL. 

He possesses great poise and there's a strong sense of calmness in his game. He never panics with the puck and always knows his next move forward without hesitation. 

In the offensive zone, Dickinson is a threat with his vision and awareness. He knows how to be in the right spots to finish off or continue a play. He's able to get his shot off in difficult situations, whether it is off his front foot, or in traffic.

Dickinson also possesses the patience to wait for a shooting lane — if there is not one already present. He will reposition himself and hold onto the puck until he is able to find one.

Currently, Dickinson has 11 goals and 34 points in 35 games in his second year playing in the OHL.

In London, defenders like Sam Dickinson and Oliver Bonk spend a lot of time deep in the offensive zone, and they have the flexibility to take risks. Dickinson's offensive intelligence has been shown in all areas of the offensive zone.

Dickinson's defensive game is just as strong. He is disciplined positionally, and rarely loses track of his man or the play. He has an efficient defensive stick, and his strength allows him to box out players in front of the net. 

He also plays with an edge at times, and this is when the confidence he oozes comes out. Dickinson isn't afraid to engage physically with his 6-foot-3 frame, and he can tend to aggravate his opponents.

The only slight concern in Dickinson's game is his speed and quickness. He doesn't necessarily play the game at a high pace, and he isn't dangerous in transition. He calculates the game on a deep level, but he doesn't play a "quick" game. 

However, his poise and calmness is rare in today's NHL, and there are not many players that can be relied upon to slow and calm down the game like Dickinson can. He is likely a "coaches favourite" because of this too.

It is also worth mentioning that Dickinson was awarded the 'C' at the Under-17's last year, and he wore an 'A' at this past Hlinka Gretzky Cup. His character and leadership as a draft eligible player is already developing. 

If there was an award to the defenceman that projects the most seamlessly to the next level, it would go to Sam Dickinson. His maturity and poise as a seventeen-year-old is off the charts, and his offensive upside is exciting.