Kurtenbach: Reaction to Sharks' No. 11 pick in NHL Draft

Sharks surprise with 11th pick Sam Dickinson, adding top defenseman prospect to already impressive talent pool for a bright future.

The San Jose Sharks made a surprising move when they selected Sam Dickinson with the 11th overall pick in the draft. At 6-foot-3 and 205 pounds, Dickinson was expected to be one of the top defenseman taken, likely within the top seven picks. However, the Sharks saw an opportunity and didn't hesitate to grab him.

Dickinson, a left-handed defenseman from the London Knights, had an impressive season, scoring 70 points and anchoring the best power play in the OHL. With his heavy shot and smooth skating, he has drawn comparisons to Oilers defenseman Evan Bouchard.

While Dickinson excels on the offensive end, he also shows promise in rush defense. His size allows him to move forwards off their spot, although he may need to work on starting breakouts more efficiently. Despite some areas for improvement, the Sharks see tremendous potential in him.

The addition of Dickinson adds to the Sharks' already strong prospect pool, making them a team to watch in the future. However, they still need to address the lack of right-handed defensemen in their pipeline. This may be a focus for future drafts.

Overall, Dickinson's skill set and potential make him a valuable asset for the Sharks. Whether he dominates the OHL next season or spends time developing in the AHL, he is expected to be a key player for the franchise in the near future. With Dickinson and other promising prospects, the Sharks had a successful day at the draft, setting themselves up for success in the years to come.