Sam Dickinson Faces Critical Development Crossroads for 2025-26 Season

As the 2025-26 season approaches, the San Jose Sharks face a developmental dilemma regarding defenseman Sam Dickinson. Having outgrown the Ontario Hockey League, Dickinson is not yet prepared for full-time NHL duty. Complicating his path is his ineligibility for the American Hockey League as a 19-year-old under current rules. The organization must carefully manage his progression to avoid the developmental pitfalls seen in other league organizations.