Jason Dickinson has big time potential June 10, 2013

Ranked as high as 14th by the ISS (International Scouting Services), Jason Dickinson has all the tools to be a top-flight NHLer.  A power forward with a nose for the net, the second-year Guelph Storm player has grown in confidence this year, and looks more and more like a lock for the first-round.

Hailing from Georgetown, Ontario, Dickinson is listed at 6’2 176, a lean build for a player with a north-south power game.  But the 17-year-old showed he could add weight to his frame in the junior ranks (he was 158 lbs in his draft year), so one could assume he will be closer to 190-200 pounds by the time he cracks the NHL.

The left winger has improved in all facets of his game since arriving in the OHL in 2011. After a slow start in his rookie season, Dickinson really came into his own, chalking up 12 goals and 22 assists in 63 games. His performance earned him a nod for the OHL’s all-rookie second team.

He upped his game in year two, notably improving his +/- from -15 in 2011-12, to +19 in 2012-13.  He also boosted his point totals, scoring 18 goals and adding 29 passes in 66 games.

Scouts have begun to take notice of this young up-and-comer, and his stock has been on the rise over the last past couple of months.

“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)

For more on this intriguing prospect, keep reading Ben Kerr’s write-up here.