NHL Debut: Sam Dickinson (Oct. 11, 2025)

London Knights defenceman Sam Dickinson makes his NHL debut with the San Jose Sharks on Saturday night.

Selected 11th overall in the 2024 NHL Draft, Dickinson went all the way last season with the Knights, capturing the coveted Memorial Cup after reaching the final for the second straight year. The 19-year-old from Toronto, Ont., recorded a career-high 91 points (29G, 62A), setting a new franchise record for the most points in a single season by a blueliner in Knights history. His 12 power-play goals, eight shorthanded points, and 245 shots on goal all led OHL defencemen.

Dickinson carried that dominance into the 2025 OHL Playoffs, where he posted 31 points, tied for the seventh-most by a CHL defenceman in a single postseason since 2000, and earned a spot on the 2025 Memorial Cup All-Star Team. His standout season earned him both the Max Kaminsky Trophy as OHL Defenceman of the Year and the CHL Defenceman of the Year award.

Since arriving in London three seasons ago, Dickinson has become the backbone of the Knights’ success and one of the league’s most complete defencemen. Acquired from the Niagara IceDogs after being selected fourth overall in the 2022 OHL Priority Selection, he stepped into London’s system with poise and maturity well beyond his years.

Knights GM and owner Mark Hunter calls Dickinson “the kind of player you win with.” Over three seasons, Dickinson helped the Knights reach three straight OHL Championship Series, capturing back-to-back OHL titles in 2024 and 2025, and adding the Memorial Cup in Rimouski last spring.

“He consistently plays well every night, drives the game, takes the puck out of our own end, and defends,” Hunter said. “People are going to enjoy watching him play in the NHL.”

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