Place Jason Dickinson on the “safe at the trade deadline” list. The veteran forward re-signed with the Blackhawks today for a two-year deal worth a cap hit of $4.25AAV. It’s a significant raise for a player who’s seen a significant rise in his game.
This is hardly a surprise as Dickinson is in the midst of a career year and all signs pointed to him remaining with the team. Not only will he now see it through the next couple seasons, but if you watch the clip from WGN’s Joe Brand, he’s disappointed that the deal isn’t longer.
Maybe that’s a conversation a couple years from now.
Blackhawks, Dickinson Right For Each Other
Never forget that Dickinson was traded with a second-round pick from Vancouver. Dickinson has responded with career years in points both last season, and on his way again to a new on this season. His 14 goals are second on the team and also a career high. So the acquisition has benefitted both sides handsomely.
Now what does it mean for the future? General manager Kyle Davidson has kept the term consistent with all of his other signings, a stable two-years which makes it open season when Connor Bedard and Kevin Korchinski will both be due for their first post entry-level deal.
Back to Dickinson–he has been a good voice in the locker room as well as on the ice. Nick Foligno advocated for him after signing his extension and Davidson noted that when speaking on Saturday. The pair are the first to sign on and now the Blackhawks will likely look at Petr Mrazek who has been another of the veterans delivering both with performance on the ice and leadership in the locker room.
It’s the smart move and one that will help insulate more of the young talent as it makes its way to Chicago. But Dickinson, who was an afterthought in Vancouver, has become an important piece in Chicago for the next two years.
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