San Jose Sharks defensive prospect Sam Dickinson has been selected to represent his team at the 2025 NHLPA Rookie Showcase. The event, scheduled to begin on September 3 in Arlington, Virginia, is held in collaboration with Upper Deck, a trading card company. The Rookie Showcase provides an opportunity for the company to gather photos and videos of promising young players in their official team gear.

Dickinson has consistently performed well over the last two seasons as a member of the London Knights of the Ontario Hockey League, which helped him earn his spot at the Rookie Showcase. During the 2023-24 season, he recorded 70 points in 68 games and helped lead the Knights to the Memorial Cup championship game. Following that season, the Sharks selected Dickinson 11th overall in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft.

After participating in some rookie events and preseason games with San Jose, Dickinson returned to London and played even better in 2024-25. He set a franchise record for a defenseman with 91 points and averaged nearly two points per game in the playoffs, helping the Knights win the Memorial Cup. He was also named Canadian Hockey League Defenseman of the Year.

Having proven himself at the junior level, Dickinson's aim this season is to make the Sharks roster and establish himself in the NHL. The Sharks have several options with Dickinson; they could bring him to the team full-time, send him back to London, or give him a brief trial before returning him to juniors to avoid using a year of his contract.

While playing in the NHL might be Dickinson's preferred option, it won't necessarily be easy for him to get there. The Sharks have several experienced left-handed defensemen, and transitioning from juniors to the pros would be a significant leap for a young player who struggled with the pace of NHL play during the preseason last fall. However, with another strong year under his belt, he will have a well-deserved opportunity to demonstrate that he is ready this time. His invitation to the Rookie Showcase indicates that the hockey world is paying attention to him.

The NHLPA/Upper Deck Rookie Showcase is more than just a photo opportunity. It's a social gathering for rookies to get acquainted, take promotional shots for their rookie cards, and promote their brand before their first professional season or after debuting in the NHL.

Other noteworthy prospects expected to attend the 2025 NHLPA Rookie Showcase include Zeev Buium of the Minnesota Wild, Matthew Schaefer of the New York Islanders and Trevor Connelly of the Vegas Golden Knights.