Blackhawks Player Grades: Jason Dickinson

Talk about an unsung hero. Jason Dickinson was exactly that for the Hawks this past season. Although he only tallied 35 points (which is still his career high), he exponentially increased his goal production while averaging the most minutes of ice time per night in his career (16:34). Dickinson's 22 goals were tied with Connor Bedard for the team lead. 

Not only was Dickinson impressive offensively, he carried a +4 rating and received Selke Trophy votes, placing 12th in the final voting. Aleksander Barkov ran away with the award, but the Blackhawks' horrendous season likely kept Dickinson much further away from the top spot than he actually was when it was all said and done.

Thanks to his unreal season, Dickinson, like fellow teammates Nick Foligno and Petr Mrazek, earned a two-year contract extension from Kyle Davidson. Dickinson will make $4.25 million per season for the next two years while the youth of the Blackhawks organization rises in their development.

Player Grades

Jonnie Nonnie's Grade: A

JASON DICKINSON, HOWAREYANOW?! I'd say he's doing pretty damn well after posting a career-high 35 points (including 22 goals) and earning a nice two-year contract extension from the Blackhawks. Originally thought of as a Canucks' salary dump, Dickinson has carved out a solid middle-six center role in Chicago. Add in his alert defensive prowess and down-the-middle face-off ability, and Dickinson far exceeded expectations in 2023-24.

Tony Marchese's Grade: A-

The Blackhawks were in dire need of offense and Jason Dickinson seemed to deliver more than most. His 22 goals tied rookie Connor Bedard for the team lead, and he was one of just three Blackhawks players to have a positive +/- this season. Dickinson also tied the team lead with Seth Jones potting four game-winning goals in 2023-24, making him one of the most prominent offensive players on the team last season.

Ron Luce's Grade: A-

Goal scoring, incredible defensive prowess, and a veteran leader, Jason Dickinson has far exceeded any expectations that he had when he arrived in Chicago. Largely a bottom-six player for most of his career, opportunity knocked in Chicago and he answered. His 22 goals paced the team (along with Connor Bedard) and his 12th-place finish in the Selke voting says it all. He's super valuable to the Hawks for at least the next two years.

What's On Tap Next?

With a new contract in hand, Jason Dickinson appears to have the third-line center role on lock to begin the 2024-25 season. As Luke Richardson tweaks his lineup throughout the season, Dickinson will likely bounce around the middle-six. Between injuries and game play, we'll expect to see a lot of No. 16 on defense and on the scoresheet.

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