When a player like Jason Dickinson is injured, his value becomes even more evident. “That’s a guy you can’t just replace,” said veteran defenseman Alec Martinez. Dickinson left Wednesday’s game against the Edmonton Oilers, and fear quickly spread that it was “significant.” Fortunately, the prognosis looks somewhat more promising: a high-ankle sprain sidelining him for a few weeks.
The sentiment expressed by Martinez still rings true. Dickinson’s absence will be felt while he recovers. But what is it that endears him to his teammates?
As Ryan Donato put it, “I mean, he’s the ultimate teammate, ultimate guy, he’s such a great person off the ice and such a great leader on the ice.”
Before the season, I laid out expectations for Dickinson and focused on his complete, reliable play that makes him trustworthy on the ice and a mentor off. This injury, now knowing it’s not too debilitating, provides an opportunity to investigate how Dickinson’s season has unfolded and what the future holds for the 29-year-old forward.
The Season So Far
Dickinson put together a career season in 2023-24 with 22 goals and 35 points. It earned him a two-year, $8.5 million contract. Everyone recognized that he would most likely not score that many goals or points again. Nevertheless, the Blackhawks wanted him for his defensive prowess and veteran presence. He also wanted to be in Chicago, admitting after signing for only two years, “I would’ve liked a few more years because I see what’s down the line.”
That’s the kind of guy you want surrounding your young core during a rebuild.
Since no one expected explosive offensive production, Dickinson’s vaunted defensive capabilities are the standard by which he is judged. (He has chipped in seven goals and nine assists, far fewer than the 15 and 20 I predicted).
With the reinforcement of the Blackhawks’ offense over the summer, Dickinson’s offensive role and production were going to decrease. Accordingly, his defensive load has increased, and the underlying numbers show he is bearing that load well.
Related: Criticism Serves as Motivation for Blackhawks’ Connor Bedard
How will #Blackhawks fill Jason Dickinson’s role with him out for “a few weeks” with a high-ankle sprain? @PatBoyle__ | @CaleyChelios | @TonyGranato pic.twitter.com/Kmv6xkXsLc
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