LAS VEGAS — Sam Dickinson was selected 11th overall by the San Jose Sharks.
The London Knights defenseman shared his thoughts on Macklin Celebrini, who joined the same organization as fellow Knights Kasper Halttunen, and who he models his game after.
Sam Dickinson on post-draft feelings:
“It's unbelievable. It all still hasn't sunk in. Words can't describe it, but I couldn't be happier and more excited to be a part of the San Jose Sharks at this moment. It's unbelievable.”
“I think it's a good fit for me,” Dickinson said in a pre-draft interview with the Sharks.
I met with them a few times throughout the year and then again at the Combine and it was always great. Great interviews, great talks, etc. And you know, being in London with Kasper Halttunen was [Sharks second round selection in 2023] I think having him there brought even more attention to it, so I couldn't be more excited.
Dickinson spoke about the possibility of being teammates with Kasper Halttunen on the Sharks in the future.
It's been a lot of fun playing with him in London and I couldn't be happier to continue doing so.
Dickinson is a former London Knights teammate and future #SJSharks Teammate Kasper Halttunen hit one of the most powerful shots I've ever seen.
— Sheng Peng (@Sheng_Peng) June 29, 2024
Dickinson spoke about his first impression upon being selected:
Pure joy and excitement. It really feels like a dream come true. Getting drafted into the NHL is something I've been working towards my whole life and to see that dream come true, it still feels almost surreal but I think it will soon. It's unbelievable.
“He's a great guy,” Dickinson said of Celebrini and the San Jose Sharks' other prospects.
“I think this is one of the best groups of prospects in the league. I know Mac really well. I couldn't be more excited to play with him. I've played him in two games so far, so I'm excited to see if I can get to play a couple more games with him.”
Dickinson spoke about being part of the next generation of Sharks players following in Thornton and Marleau's footsteps.
The next step after getting drafted is…what's next? Growing up and seeing the San Jose Sharks doing great with the guys you mentioned and thinking maybe I could be a part of that next wave with the other guys you mentioned, it's an incredible feeling again.
“I'm a big fan of the Bay Area,” Dickinson said of his knowledge of the Bay Area.
I've never been to California, so I'm looking forward to going there and learning all that's going on there.
Dickinson spoke about what his playing style will give the San Jose Sharks:
I think they got a defenseman who can do it all: offensively, defensively, in transition, he can take on any role and do it perfectly.
Dickinson spoke about how his OHL team, the London Knights, influenced his development: “I think it was a really fun experience.
Well, as I've said many times before, they have been almost everything to me in my career so far. I have so much respect for them and so much they have given to me. I don't think I can ever thank them enough or repay them enough. It's an incredible feeling to be able to carry on the London Knights tradition.
When asked who he models his game after, Dickinson said:
A guy like Miro Heiskanen. The way he can dominate a game with his skating ability and his IQ is already similar to how I play and a lot of parts of his game are similar.
Dickinson spoke about who he credits with getting drafted:
Well, I was sitting next to my dad, so I hugged him first, and then I hugged my mom. Seriously, I give everything to my parents. Without them, I wouldn't be where I am today. So they mean everything to me, and I can't thank them enough for everything they've done for me.
