Blackhawks 2025-26 Player Grades: Jason Dickinson

At the beginning of the season, Jason Dickinson was leaned on as one of the team’s leaders. In addition, he also was leaned on heavily as a part of the team’s incredible penalty kill unit. Teamed up with Ilya Mikheyev, Connor Murphy, and others, the group was so good all season long.

Offensively speaking, Dickinson never returned to his 22-goal production from 2022-23, but Dickinson continued to be a solid third line center for Chicago. In 47 games, before the trade in 2025-26, Dickinson recorded 13 points (six goals, seven assists) with a near-50% in the face off dot.

Dickinson was moved at the deadline, along with forward Colton Dach, to the Edmonton Oilers for Andrew Mangiapane and a 2027 first-round pick. Dickinson also signed a new deal in Edmonton. He signed for five years at $4 million AAV.

Player Grades

Blackhawks Cowboy’s Grade: B-

The Jason Dickinson era in Chicago came to a close this year, and it is safe to say the time was beneficial for both sides. This season, Dickinson truly showed his value on the ice. With Ilya Mikeheyv and Connor Murphy, the three of them were the figureheads on the best penalty kill in the league.

As a third-line shutdown center, Dickinson was the matchup player night in and night out for Chicago. And when the two sides parted ways, Dickinson helped out his team one last time by fetching a first-round pick for his services. Not his best season in Chicago, but a very good farewell tour.

Tony Marchese’s Grade: C+

I, for one, really enjoyed having Jason Dickinson in Chicago. He was a great veteran presence, did a lot of the little things right, and no one will ever forget that, up until this point, the best year of his career came during one of the toughest years of the Blackhawks rebuild.

This season, Dickinson played more to his career averages. It was almost identical to 2024-25. Ultimately, the Hawks made the decision at the deadline that he no longer fit the big picture and shipped him off along with pretty much anyone else in the veteran leadership core not named Tyler Bertuzzi or Teuvo Teravainen. I’ll give Dickinson a C+ for his time spent in Chicago this past season; we’ve seen his game at its best, so we know there is more there.

Ron Luce’s Grade: B-

Jason Dickinson was due to be a free agent this summer, but the Oilers never let him leave the building. Costing the Oilers a first-round pick in 2027, Dickinson did everything and more that the Oilers needed in an underwhelming season by their standards.

In Chicago, Dickinson was great, restoring his prowess as one of the marquee defensive centers in the league. He also helped the Blackhawks boast a league-best penalty kill for majority of the season. Helping the Hawks add another first-round pick improves Dickinson’s grade for the season as well.

What’s On Tap Next?

With Dickinson now in Edmonton, the Blackhawks will need to find their new third-line, shutdown center next season. Is that player Frank Nazar? What about Oliver Moore? We’ll have to wait until training camp and the end of September for the full answer. Nonetheless, Dickinson’s time in Chicago was impactful on the organization.

Tell us if you agree with our grades! What would you give Jason Dickinson? Let us know at @FourFeathersPod on X and Instagram!

Next Up: Sacha Boisvert