Connect with us

San Jose Sharks

Dickinson’s Challenge: How Hard Is It for 19-Year-Old D-Man To Be Full-Time NHL’er? (+)

Published

on

Credit: Dean Tait/Sport Shots

Next season, Sam Dickinson will be trying to do something that a San Jose Sharks defenseman hasn’t done in a long time.



The 2024 No. 11 pick, who will be a 19-year-old defenseman in his D+2 year, will be looking to establish himself as a full-time NHL’er. It’s no small feat.

In San Jose Sharks history, there have been only three such blueliners (30-plus games played).

PlayerTeamDraft YearPickSeason▼GPGAPTS+/-ATOI
Mirco MuellerSJS2013182014-1539134-816:58
Marc-Édouard VlasicSJS2005352006-0781323261322:11
Mike RathjeSJS199231993-94471910-9N/A

They’re all instructive examples of the challenge awaiting Dickinson, who’s still playing for the Memorial Cup at the moment, after a franchise record-breaking campaign with the London Knights. The 6-foot-3 Dickinson put up 29 goals and 62 assists in just 55 games this season, his 91 points setting a single-season record for a Knights rearguard.

What can we learn from the examples of Mirco Mueller, Marc-Edouard Vlasic, and Mike Rathje?

Membership Required

You must be a member to access this content.

View Membership Levels

Already a member? Log in here

Sheng’s Travel Fund

Help fund Sheng's travel! Every dollar goes to the cost of getting to and from Sharks road games.


Click here to contribute to Sheng's travel pool!

Get SJHN in your inbox!

Enter your email address to get all of our articles delivered directly to your inbox.

Sports Shots

Extra Hour Hockey Training

Cathy’s Power Skating