Seattle Kraken #8 Pick Watch: A Good Knight Could Bolster Defense Corps

With the 2024 NHL Draft just a week away (June 28-29 in Las Vegas), it's Mock Draft season.

A pair of sites have concluded that the Seattle Kraken, with the 8th overall pick in the 1st round, should use it on defenseman Sam Dickinson from the London Knights.

Greysen Goudy at FCHockey : "There is an incredibly dangerous forward corps brewing with the Seattle Kraken with the likes of Matty Beniers, Shane Wright, David Goyette, Jagger Firkus, and Eduard Sale, without even mentioning the depth already on their NHL roster.

"This year they take the responsible route and pre-order a ready-made top-four minute-muncher in Sam Dickinson, who is a jack-of-all-trades type who some consider to be the best all-round blueliner in the class."

Regional scout Mike Kennedy adds, "Dickinson, a two-way defenseman, is as steady as they come. He is a workhorse that can log major ice time in all situations and scenarios. His ability to make positive contributions in all important aspects of the game make him stand out on a nightly basis."

Tristin McKinstry at Clutch Points has similar thoughts. "Sam Dickinson played big minutes for the London Knights this season. He is one of the best skaters in the class and is an explosive defender.

"His offensive skill isn't as prominent as it is with some of his peers. But he can chip in secondary offense and play on the power play in the right situation. Seattle missed the playoffs this season, but take a defenseman who can potentially anchor their blueline for years to come."

It's worth noting that Dickinson was no slouch on the offensive end, as 18 goals and 52 assists in 68 games for the OHL champion Knights would attest.

The only issue with the 6-foot-3, 195 pound defenseman from Toronto is that he might be too good to last until Seattle's #8 pick.

In the THN 2024 Draft Preview Issue, editor in chief Ryan Kennedy has Dickinson listed as the 5th-best draftable prospect.

One scout's take: "He's big and mobile, and the strength of his game is without the puck.

"Then you watch him and you say, 'Wow, he's pretty good with the puck.' There's a high ceiling for this guy."