San Jose Sharks defenseman Sam Dickinson has spent the entire season in the NHL, but he is still eligible for junior hockey.
At 19, Dickinson is still allowed to play for Team Canada at the World Juniors. Reports have come out that Canada is holding out hope for the star d-man to join, and the Sharks haven’t said no either.
On Tuesday, Dickinson had a scheduled development day and did not play in the San Jose Sharks’ 6-3 win over the Calgary Flames. Dickinson had played in each of the previous seven games. The Sharks defenseman had an assist against the Toronto Maple Leafs and has three points in his 26 career games (1 goal, 2 assists).
After practice on Wednesday, Dickinson said he’s focused on where he physically is. He did not confirm to SHD whether there is any communication with Team Canada.
“One day at a time. As long as I’m here, I’m worried about the San Jose Sharks and doing whatever I can and helping this team win. Whatever happens, happens,” Dickinson said.
There is some extra pull for Dickinson to join Team Canada. Redemption from Canada’s early exit last year and a chance to play with his Sharks teammate, Michael Misa. Misa was officially loaned to Team Canada on Wednesday after spending a couple of extra days with the NHL club.
The other pull for the Sharks defenseman is to play for his former London Knights coach, Dale Hunter, in the OHL.
“Anytime you get the chance to go play for Team Canada, it’s an honor,” Dickinson said. “You are always really proud of the opportunity that’s there. Like I’ve said, it’s a win-win. There’s no better league or better competition, or anything better than what’s here in the NHL.”
Warsofsky says the Sharks are still debating what to do
Sharks head coach Ryan Warsofsky confirmed to reporters after practice that there have been internal conversations about potentially loaning Dickinson.
Warsofsky confirmed that the #SJSharks have discussed sending Dickinson to the World Juniors but no decision has been made yet
— Max Miller (@Real_Max_Miller) December 17, 2025
“We’ve talked about it. I think you want to continue to preach the habits of what we need to play with at this level,” Warsofsky explained.
“I think you can get away with some things when you play down a level. That’s no disrespect to the World Juniors or the OHL, but when you’re the best player, sometimes you can get into some bad habits, and we’re trying to get those bad habits out of him.”
Warsofsky admits that there are positives to sending Dickinson to the WJC.
“There’s definitely pros and cons to it. Getting puck touches, leading the team, and being a big part of it,” Warsofsky said. “Mike [Grier] and I have talked a lot about it. We’ll continue to talk through it, but he’s here today.”
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