Sharks Rookie Dickinson Sparks Roster Dilemmas Ahead of Islanders Clash

Rookie defenseman Sam Dickinson continues to impress as he solidifies his place within the San Jose Sharks roster. As the Sharks prepare for their upcoming game against the New York Islanders on March 15, 2024, questions arise about the team’s depth on defense, particularly concerning roster changes that may be necessary if Dickinson remains with the team long-term.

With eight defensemen currently on the active roster, the Sharks face potential tough decisions ahead. Recently, the team recalled Luca Cagnoni from the Barracuda and placed Shakir Mukhamadullin on injured reserve. Injured players John Klingberg and Timothy Liljegren traveled with the team, but Liljegren is ineligible to return from injured reserve until Wednesday, while Klingberg is reportedly unable to finish practice due to a lower-body injury.

The Sharks must navigate this situation carefully. If all defensemen heal, they cannot retain every player. Options include returning Cagnoni to the AHL or placing Vincent Iorio on waivers, though the organization believes in Iorio’s potential as an NHL player. There is also speculation about a possible trade, likely involving a defenseman with an expiring contract, to alleviate the roster congestion.

Rookie Performance and Future Prospects

Currently, the Sharks have several defensemen set to become unrestricted free agents next summer, including Mario Ferraro, Nick Leddy, Vincent Desharnais, Klingberg, and Liljegren. Both Ferraro and Leddy are left-shot defensemen, similar to Dickinson. Leddy has a 16-team no-trade list, while Klingberg holds a full no-movement clause until January 30, after which it converts to a 14-team no-trade list.

While returning Dickinson to the London Knights of the Ontario Hockey League remains a possibility, it appears increasingly unlikely. The 19-year-old has seen his ice time and responsibilities grow significantly, culminating in a career-high 16:48 minutes against the Pittsburgh Penguins last Saturday. In that game, he faced off against superstars Sydney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, a moment Dickinson described as surreal.

“Never thought that day would come,” Dickinson said, reflecting on the experience of defending two future Hall of Famers.

As Dickinson continues to perform well, Sharks coach Ryan Warsofsky commended his and fellow rookie Michael Misa’s play during Saturday’s game, noting their growing comfort on the ice. Dickinson’s development this season follows his successful run in junior hockey, where he won the Memorial Cup and was named the Canadian Hockey League’s Defenseman of the Year.

With four games played, Dickinson can compete in up to five more before the Sharks must decide whether to keep him in the NHL or send him back to junior hockey. Misa, who has played two games, is also in the same category regarding contract implications.

Upcoming Matchup and Rookie Showdown

As the Sharks prepare to face the Islanders, they will have the opportunity to see Matthew Schaefer, the top overall pick from the June draft. If Misa participates, it will be an early confrontation between the top two picks from the draft, showcasing young talent in the league.

Despite Misa’s limited impact on the score sheet thus far, he has centered the Sharks’ third line and practiced with the second power-play unit. The 18-year-old has yet to score but is expected to dress for the game, providing a chance to gain valuable experience against Schaefer, who has made an immediate impact with his five-game point streak.

Both players hail from Ontario, Canada, with Misa’s hometown of Oakville located approximately halfway between Toronto and Hamilton, where Schaefer was raised. As they step onto the ice, fans will be watching closely to see how these burgeoning talents perform in a high-stakes matchup.

As the Sharks navigate their roster and prepare for their game against the Islanders, the spotlight remains firmly on Dickinson, who appears to be carving out a significant role in the team’s future.