Jason Dickinson – The Next Ones: NHL 2013 Draft Prospect Profile

Jason Dickinson (Terry Wilson/OHL Images)

Jason Dickinson Next Ones Profile

The Essentials:

Date of birth: July 4, 1995

Place of birth: Georgetown, ON

Ht: 6’02″ Wt: 176

Shoots: Left

Position: Centre / Left Wing

Twitter Handle: @jdickinson_11

NHL Draft Eligibility: 2013 1st year eligible

THW Ranking (April 2013): 45

Other Rankings:

Jason Dickinson THW Close-Up:

While not quite the cream of the crop in terms of OHL powerhouses, the Guelph Storm currently boast a wealth of talent that may one day filter up to the NHL. With the likes of Garrett Sparks, Tanner Richard, Brock McGinn & Andre Pedan having already joined up with their respective AHL squads, and with Hunter Garlent, Tyler Bertuzzi & Ben Harpur looking to get their names called on Draft day (not to mention the talented Robby Fabbri also on the horizon), Royal City hockey fans may have their eyes in many different places to see how their proud alumni fare in the pro ranks.

And perhaps the one to keep the closest eye on is Jason Dickinson.

Selected in the second round (32nd overall) by Guelph in the 2011 OHL draft, Dickinson caught the Storm’s eye by scoring 45 goals and 34 assists for 79 points in 59 games with the AAA minor midget Halton Hurricanes. Dickinson wasted no time in making an impact at the OHL level, scoring 12 goals and 22 assists in 63 games during his rookie season, and adding 3 goals and 2 assists in his first appearance in the OHL playoffs. That performance was good enough to earn him a spot on the 2011-12 OHL all-rookie second team.

Here’s what Guelph Storm coach Scott Walker had to say about Dickinson early on in the 2012-13 OHL season:

The best part about this kid is that his upside is endless. He’s not going to shave until he’s 35 and he’s still got a million miles to go in filling out. They (opponents) have trouble getting the puck off him now. What are they going to do when he’s 200 or 210 pounds? (Toronto Star)

Dickinson showed signs of that upside over the course of this past OHL season, increasing his point total to 47 (18 G, 29 A) in 66 GP, while also coming in with a +19 on the year, a drastic improvement over the -15 he tallied in his rookie year. While he did disappoint in the playoffs (1 G, 1 A in 6 GP) his potential remains sky high, and many have him going mid-first round.

As Walker himself noted, once Dickinson bulked up (as he has), he would be extremely difficult to move off the puck. Add to that some deft puck handling skills, quick feet and a knack for offense – not to mention a measure of responsibility in his own end – and quite simply, Dickinson possesses the combination of size and skill that NHL teams covet.

While his name may not have the cache of the expected top 10 picks, one NHL team is going to find themselves feeling very good about drafting Jason Dickinson with a mid to late first round pick.

Scout’s Honour:

Dickinson could be that one player that the hockey world looks back on with a “why wasn’t he drafted higher?” attitude if he realizes his vast potential. Good size and great offensive instincts are Dickinson’s greatest attributes and he is only beginning to tap his skillset. Offensively, Dickinson has a good arsenal to beat the opposition with slick puck handling skills, quick feet and an eye for offensive opportunities. Dickinson continues to battle consistency issues as he occasionally takes shifts off but there is little question that he is a player with first round size and skills. (Brendan Ross, Dobber Prospects)
A solid first half statistically had people excited but a second half drop has raised some questions. He has some very noticeable skill with good size – although he needs to fill out, a very good skater with a good shot and some very noticeable leadership qualities. Dickinson is able to play any role and in any situations. He’s shown flashes of brilliance at times. He’s loaded with potential but needs to find the heart and competitiveness to do it on a consistent basis. It’s there, he has to want it and now, it’s up to him. (Dominic Tiano, In The O Radio)
An offensive player whose skills inside the zone instantly create offensive opportunities .. very coy – rarely stays in one spot for too long and is capable of making nice subtle touch passes and slick in-close plays thanks to extremely quick hands .. possesses excellent hand-eye co-ordination for tips and deflections in front of the goal .. his skating complements his offensive game as he can generate deceptive speed from a fluid, compact stride .. the crispness of his stride allows him to maintain speed over the length of the ice .. despite having grown three inches since being a second-round pick in the 2011 OHL Priority Selection (32nd overall), he has been unable to add the accompanying muscle to a lean frame .. tries to finish his checks – but not consistently and can be guilty of playing passive at times .. displays an aversion to being hit – and can have a difficult time battling through checks .. would benefit by playing with heightened intensity, especially in board battles where he needs to do a better job utilizing his size .. biggest obstacle at this point is a lack of overall consistency and an erratic compete level .. shows capable of performing when the intensity of the game picks up, yet can also be guilty of blending into the scenery .. needs to understand that he must become a difference maker on each shift in every game. (David Burstyn, McKeen’s Hockey)
Dickinson has taken some nice steps forward this year with Guelph… Big centre who is emerging as a 3-zone player… Effective on the PK and understands defensive responsibilities… Offensive game shows flashes but needs more consistency… Longer term prospect with Top 6 upside. (The Scouting Report)
Tons of skill. Has the potential to develop into a truly explosive offensive player. The total package offensively, who can make things happen with his hands, acceleration, and creativity. He shows signs of developing a nastier side and will sometimes mix it up in the corners or in front of the net. That side of his game does need to continue to grow though. There are those I talk to who have concerns over his consistency and compete level. To some degree, I agree. But, at the same time, he’s the type of guy who can be relatively invisible all night, until a few shifts where he takes over and helps to put the puck in the net. Putting together whole periods of offensive control is the next step. (Brock Otten, OHL Prospects blog)

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Statistics:

Interviews:

International Tournaments:

Selected for Canada’s National Men’s Under 18 Roster for the 2013 IIHF Ice Hockey U 18 World Championship – April 18-28 in Sochi, Russia.

ETA: 2-3 years

Risk-Reward Analysis:

Risk = 2 /5
Reward = 4/5

NHL Potential: Top 6 Forward

Strengths:

Great work ethic and mind for the game.
3 zone player.
High compete level.
Leadership potential.
Speed.
Puck handling ability.

Flaws/Aspects He Needs To Work On:

Consistency.
Occasional Aversion to physicality.

Fantasy Hockey Potential:

Offense 4/5
Defense 3/5

NHL Player(s) Comparison:

Vincent Lecavalier
Jarrett Stoll

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THW’s The Next Ones prospect profile template design architect: Chris Ralph