Sharks sign another first-round pick to entry-level contract

The San Jose Sharks’ two first-round draft picks are now officially in the fold.

The Sharks announced Wednesday that No. 11 overall pick Sam Dickinson has signed a standard three-year, entry-level contract.

“Sam is a big, mobile defenseman who brings a strong two-way game and excellent hockey IQ,” Sharks general manager Mike Grier said in a release. “We’re excited to watch him continue his development as part of our organization.”

According to PuckPedia, Dickinson’s contract carries a $975,000 cap hit at the NHL level. However, he is expected to return to the Ontario Hockey League’s London Knights for the 2024-25 season after participating in the Sharks’ training camp in September.

Dickinson, 18, is San Jose’s second first-round pick from the 2024 draft to sign an ELC. No. 1 overall pick Macklin Celebrini inked his entry-level contract with the Sharks on July 6.

Will Smith, the No. 4 overall pick in the 2023 draft, signed his ELC with San Jose on May 28.

Dickinson compiled 70 points and a plus-56 rating in 68 games with London during the 2023-24 OHL regular season. He added 13 points in 18 playoff games with a plus-11 rating, including six points in the championship round as the Knights claimed the OHL crown via a four-game sweep of the Oshawa Generals.