Could the Chicago Blackhawks Select Sam Dickinson in the Top 4 Picks of the Draft?

Gabe Foley, the managing editor and head of amateur scouting for RecScouting, recently drew attention with a tweet discussing the potential fit of prospect Sam Dickinson within the Chicago Blackhawks roster. Despite Dickinson not being right-handed like Artyom Levshunov, Foley highlights his versatility to play on either side of the ice. Dickinson’s scouting breakdown by Blue Chip Prospect from two months ago noted his impressive season with the London Knights, where he tallied 70 points in 68 games with 18 goals. Standing at 6’3 and weighing 194 pounds, Dickinson possesses a physically mature frame despite being one of the younger prospects in his class.

Hawks really like Sam Dickinson 🤫 https://t.co/jFUKaKGCbs

— Gabriel Foley (@NHLFoley) April 5, 2024

Foley suggests that Dickinson has the potential to emerge as a true top pairing defenseman with his well-rounded skill set. While Levshunov garners significant attention from Blackhawks fans, Foley acknowledges the possibility that Levshunov might be off the board by the time the Blackhawks make their selection. Given the likelihood of the Blackhawks having a top-four pick, there’s a chance Levshunov may not be available if they end up in the fourth spot. In such a scenario, Foley raises the question of whether the Blackhawks would consider pivoting to Dickinson as an alternative option.