NHL Draft Diaries: Equipment Edition - Sam Dickinson

As the 2024 NHL Entry Draft approaches, one name gaining significant attention is Sam Dickinson, a standout defenseman for the London Knights in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). Hailing from Toronto, Ontario, Dickinson honed his skills in the world famous Greater Toronto Hockey League (GTHL) before making his mark in major junior hockey. With impressive stats and a dynamic playing style, Dickinson is poised to be a top-10 pick at the upcoming draft on June 28 in Las Vegas.

Dickinson debuted in the OHL during the 2022-23 season with the London Knights. As a 16-year-old defenseman, he recorded a solid 23 points in 62 games, showcasing his potential early on. However, it was his performance in the 2023-24 season that truly highlighted his offensive capabilities and solidified his status as a top prospect. Dickinson amassed 70 points in 68 games, achieving an impressive pace of more than a point per game—a remarkable feat for a young defenseman at any level of hockey. This leap in production has firmly positioned him as a premier offensive defenseman in this year's draft class.

Dickinson's blend of size, skill, and hockey IQ makes him an attractive prospect for NHL teams seeking a defenseman who can contribute at both ends of the ice. Standing at 6'3" and weighing 195 pounds, he has the physical presence to excel in the NHL. His offensive prowess, combined with his ability to read the game and make smart defensive plays, suggests he could be a top-pair defenseman in the future. Teams in need of a dynamic, puck-moving defenseman who can quarterback the power play will find Dickinson particularly appealing. Given his rapid development, he might be ready to make the jump to the NHL within a year or so after being drafted.

Dickinson's equipment preferences offer intriguing insights into his playing style and performance. Similar to fellow prospect Zayne Parekh, Dickinson used CCM sticks during his rookie season in the OHL. However, for the 2023-24 season, he switched to the Bauer Vapor HyperLite 2 stick, which coincided with his significant increase in point production. This switch suggests that Bauer's technology might have indeed complemented his offensive game.

In terms of skates, Dickinson has been wearing the True Catalyst Pro model for the past two seasons. They are known for a custom fit, as is the case with basically all True skates past and present. Notably, the rest of his gear, including helmets and gloves, is CCM, in compliance with the Canadian Hockey League's partnership with the brand. These equipment choices not only align with his playing style but also hint at potential future endorsements as he progresses to the NHL.

As the NHL Draft draws near, the anticipation surrounding Sam Dickinson continues to build. His exceptional point production, coupled with his robust defensive play, makes him a highly coveted prospect. Teams picking in the top 10 will be keen to add a player of his caliber to their prospect pool, recognizing his potential to become a cornerstone defenseman.

While Dickinson may still be a year or two away from making his NHL debut, the signs of his future stardom are evident. His continued development and adaptation to higher levels of competition will be closely watched. Additionally, his equipment choices, particularly his successful switch to Bauer sticks, suggest a potential long-term partnership with the brand, further highlighting his marketability.

Hockey fans and scouts alike will be eagerly following his path as he transitions to the professional ranks.

Photo Credit: Chris Tanouye