Sam Dickinson Stays with the Sharks
Sam Dickinson, a promising young defenseman for the San Jose Sharks, will remain with his NHL team instead of traveling to Minnesota to compete in the World Junior Championship for Canada. The 2024 11th overall draft pick has made 27 appearances this season, contributing one goal and two assists, while averaging close to 15 minutes on the ice per game. In a recent match against the Seattle Kraken, he logged a notable 17 minutes and 33 seconds, showcasing his burgeoning role within the team.
Decision on World Juniors
Initially, Sharks general manager Mike Grier and head coach Ryan Warsofsky debated whether allowing Dickinson to play in the World Juniors would enhance his development. However, Warsofsky ultimately decided against sending him back to junior hockey, as he views the importance of Dickinson establishing good habits at the NHL level as paramount.
Previous Experience and Team Depth
Dickinson’s prior experience in the World Junior Championship came in 2023 when he played with the Ontario Hockey League’s London Knights, which ultimately triumphed under the leadership of Dale Hunter—who now also coaches Team Canada. As of now, the Sharks have a depth of talent on defense, with eight healthy players on the roster and Vincent Desharnais, who is recovering from an injury.
Sharks Prospects in the Tournament
Despite Dickinson’s absence, a number of Sharks prospects are set to participate in the upcoming tournament, scheduled for December 26 to January 5. These players include center Michael Misa, who was drafted second overall by the Sharks, defenseman Leo Sahlin Wallenius representing Sweden, and goalie Christian Kirsch, who will don the colors of Switzerland. Additionally, goalie Josh Ravensbergen, another first-round pick, is in training with Team Canada, while center Cole McKinney appears in the preliminary roster for Team USA.
Upcoming Matchup
The Sharks are gearing up for their next matchup against the Vegas Golden Knights on Tuesday, with coverage starting at 9 p.m. local time, as they continue to navigate the season and support their young talents both in the NHL and on the international stage.
