Sam Dickinson makes bold claim ahead of 2024 NHL Draft

The 2024 NHL Draft has numerous top-tier defencemen, and one of them is Sam Dickinson. The draft kicks off this Friday, June 28, in Las Vegas at the Sphere.

London Knights blue-liner Sam Dickinson boldly declared that he is the best defenceman in the draft. Despite the presence of other good defensive prospects like Artyom Levshunov from Michigan State, Anton Silayev of Nizhny Novgorod, Zeev Buium from Denver University, and the OHL's top defenceman Zayne Parekh of the Saginaw Spirit, Dickinson is confident in his abilities.

"I believe in myself," Dickinson stated (via the Ottawa Sun)."People have opinions, but I don’t listen to half of them, especially ones that are just not right. I have full belief and faith in myself that I’m the best defenceman in the draft."

This self-assurance is not without merit. Dickinson has been a standout player for the London Knights, particularly during their stirring third-period comeback in the Memorial Cup final against the Saginaw Spirit earlier this month.

Sam Dickinson's NHL Draft prospects rise with improved puck decisions

Sam Dickinson's path to the 2024 NHL Draft is unique. He was cut from his minor hockey team three times. He played as a backup goalie for a year. Then, he switched to defense. He excelled as a defenseman for the London Knights in the OHL.

Sam Dickinson ranked No. 7 on NHL Central Scouting's list of North American skaters. This season, he tallied 70 points with 18 goals and 52 assists. He had a plus-56 rating. His special-teams play was strong. He earned 28 power-play points.

London's associate general manager Rob Simpson praised Dickinson's improved puck decisions and defense.

"I think his puck decisions and puck transporting has taken another step," Simpson said (via NHL.com), "where he's really able to read when the time is right to make a simple, quick outlet or when he needs to use his feet to get himself out of trouble."

"He doesn't spend a lot of time in his own end, and because of his breakouts, and understanding of the forechecks around the league, he's had success.”

In the playoffs, he added 13 points in 18 games.

NHL Central Scouting’s Nick Smith pointed out on Dickinson's exceptional skating.

"For me what makes him special is his skating, especially for a guy his size," Smith said. "His agility, edges, stride and first three steps with and without the puck puts him among the top tier of players in this draft.”

Dickinson admires Dallas Stars defenseman Miro Heiskanen and aims to emulate his style.