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SAN JOSE — Among the items on the San Jose Sharks’ wish list for this season was an offensive defenseman, one who can, in the words of Sharks general manager Mike Grier, “help us get out of our end a little cleaner.”

The Sharks believe they fulfilled their requirements by choosing Sam Dickinson as the 11th overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft. Described by Grier as possessing “a solid ability to play in both ends of the ice and exceptional hockey intelligence,” the 18-year-old prospect shows great promise.

While center Macklin Celebrini was the center of attention during the draft as San Jose’s No. 1 pick, it’s important not to overlook what the Sharks are gaining with Dickinson (6-foot-3, 203 pounds). Known for his impressive skating abilities and powerful shot, Dickinson has the potential to fill the void on the back end as a formidable scoring threat that the team has been lacking.

Last season, the defenseman from Toronto excelled in the Ontario Hockey League, ranking fourth among his peers. He accumulated an impressive 70 points, consisting of 18 goals and 52 assists, over the course of 68 games for the London team. Additionally, his plus-minus rating stood at an impressive plus-56.

During the playoffs, he continued to shine, contributing greatly to his team’s success. In 18 playoff games, he recorded 13 points, including four goals and nine assists, while maintaining a plus-11 rating. Notably, he played a pivotal role in helping London sweep Oshawa in the best-of-7 OHL finals, contributing six points through two goals and four assists.

“At Sharks development camp earlier this month, Dickinson mentioned that they are acquiring a defenseman who excels in all aspects of the game. This includes offense, defense, and seamless transition between the two, making him capable of fulfilling any role needed on the team.”

On July 10, Dickinson inked a three-year, entry-level deal with San Jose. He joins a team that has been lacking an offensive defenseman since the departures of previous Norris Trophy recipients Brent Burns (Carolina Hurricanes) in 2022 and Erik Karlsson (Pittsburgh Penguins) before the start of the previous season. The Sharks had a disappointing season (19-54-9), finishing last in the NHL standings. Their top-scoring defenseman was Mario Ferraro, who recorded 21 points (three goals, 18 assists) in 78 games.

Grier expressed his gratitude for having Sam on the team, acknowledging the rarity of finding a player with such an exceptional combination of size, skating ability, and physicality. Sam possesses excellent puck transportation skills, strong defensive capabilities, and a powerful shot. The team believes that Sam has the potential to showcase even more offensive skills than he has displayed so far.

After participating in the Sharks training camp in September, Dickinson is anticipated to come back for a third season with London. Expressing his desire to seize the chance of making it to the NHL this autumn, he plans to utilize the summer period to refine his skills.

Dickinson expressed his anticipation of gaining insights into the expectations of these individuals, stating, “I believe I will acquire valuable knowledge about their desires.” He added, “The upcoming period will reveal the outcome of this situation.”

If Dickinson chooses to go back to London, it’s highly probable that he won’t have to wait much longer until he reaches the NHL.

John McCarthy, coach of the American Hockey League’s San Jose team, expressed his enthusiasm by stating, “He is a promising talent. With his imposing physique, he exhibits coachability and engages in positive interactions. Notably, he maintains eye contact during conversations. Overall, he has demonstrated considerable potential.”