Blackhawks Player Grades: Jason Dickinson

One of Kyle Davidson's first impressive trades , Jason Dickinson was a beacon of consistency for the Chicago Blackhawks in his first two seasons with the team. He set a career high for points in his first season, then upped that number in his second season. Dickinson was becoming a beacon of consistency and two-way prowess. 

Story of the Season

Unfortunately, Dickinson took a huge step back in 2024-25. Limited to just 59 games due to injury, Dickinson regressed offensively, posting just 16 points (seven goals, nine assists). He also regressed defensively, watching his underlying statistics take a major step back. 

Entering his fourth season in Chicago, Dickinson should return to a third-line role and thrive in that position. That said, his 2024-25 season has made him seemingly expendable if a contending team comes calling at the deadline, especially considering the lack of any trade protection in his current contract. Nonetheless, if Dickinson can rebound and look anything like he did the prior two seasons, the Blackhawks would be incredibly happy with their extension he signed prior to last season. 

As of now, Dickinson tallying totals comparable to his first season with the Blackhawks would be a major win. His 22-goal performance in 2023-24 may have been an anomaly based on his situation, often playing higher in the lineup than usual. 

Player Grades

Steve Kwiatkowski's Grade: C

Dickinson performed about what I expected. His defensive-game wasn't where it was last season. But I never saw him as this defensive-forward stalwart that others proclaimed him to be. Don't get it twisted, I think he's a very good defensive player. Injuries and coaching decisions also didn't do Dickinson any favors. There was no reason for him to be with Bedard following a prolonged absence.

Tony Marchese's Grade: C

Well, that was disappointing... is just about the only way to sum up Jason Dickinson's season. A year removed from a career high 22 goals and 35 points, Dickinson faded back into much of what his career has been up until last season. Injuries limited him to just 59 games in 2024-25, but even in those appearances he was only able to muster 16 points. Despite remaining near his face-off numbers from last season, his offensive production taking this big of a hit unfortunately makes his 2023-24 campaign look much like an outlier than a major step forward. 

Ron Luce's Grade: C

I feel almost guilt with this grade. Last season, I gave Dickinson an A- for his incredible offensive and defensive season. However, injuries and just less-than-stellar play in 2024-25 has me giving him a C. Dickinson underwhelmed offensively, but that was expected. What I didn't expect was a step back defensively and in the face-off dot. He has one more year remaining on his contract, so perhaps he can rebound in another contract year. 

What's On Tap Next?

Dickinson enters his final season in his current contract with Chicago. Due to young players knocking on the door and an expiring contract with zero trade protection, Dickinson could be on his way out at the trade deadline if the Blackhawks have another putrid season. That said, if he returns to form from his first two seasons in a Hawks uniform, he could have some major value halfway through the season.