Blackhawks One Timers: A Bigger Role For Jason Dickinson; Judging Richardson

Lost in the hype of free agency is how a guy like Jason Dickinson might see his star rise a bit more next season. The focus has fairly been on Connor Bedard, the generational talent who desperately needs more help around him.

But what about Dickinson, who because of the team’s 53 losses, wasn’t appreciated nearly as much as he should have been. Oh sure, there were a number of local voices arguing that Dickinson had Selke-like numbers–which is true. But a Selke award winner won’t be found on a team that could only put up 52 points. His statistics compared to a Sasha Barkov of course won’t measure up. But he still tallied enough votes to finish 12th in voting–which is pretty damn good for a second line center on the second worst team in the league.

Dickinson had career highs in goals, minutes, and points. He built on an impressive 2022-23 season where he had nine goals and 30 points. Again, upping the ante on a team that needed all the scoring it could get. So an increased role should not only be in the cards for the 28-year-old center, but also another jump in production with a more pronounced top six.

Dickinson has a chance to really seize a role on the team positioned to take a huge step forward. This coming with a prospect pipeline jammed with centers that include Frank Nazar, Ryan Greene, and Oliver Moore. Perhaps one of them takes over the second spot down the road. Dickinson has already carved out his role as at the very least, a top nine center. But Dickinson is one of those guys that are invaluable in big games–especially come playoff time, once it arrives.

Jason Dickinson stands to benefit from what general manager Kyle Davidson did this offseason. So, too, does Luke Richardson.

If Jason Dickinson Can Benefit, So Too Will Luke Richardson

Does Luke Richardson really have something to worry about? It’s fair to have conversation about whether the 2024-25 campaign can be an accurate one to judge Richardson’s ability to coach an NHL club. But hot seat talk by some? Let’s pour some cold water on that.

Davidson certainly doesn’t reflect that in his answer when asked at development camp.

“The record and the losing has obviously been tough on everyone but I also don’t necessarily know if it’s given a true glimpse into what Luke is as a coach, outside of, we know he can get guys to show up and compete,” Davidson said.  “That’s a huge part of the job. Hopefully with a little bit of a stronger roster coming into camp this year, will allow him to take hold and instill some execution aspects of the game that will be necessary for us to take a step forward this year. It’s a great opportunity for him, a great opportunity for the staff to grab hold of an enhanced group that he can really show what he can do.”

The fair assessment is that Richardson’s work the last two seasons was to not have things spiral out of control. 53 losses along with 52 points speaks more to the roster rather than the results. Without Petr Mrazek, it’s far worse. Richardson’s ability to play other teams hard, especially playoff teams, was impressive enough. Now try doing that with an AHL heavy lineup some nights.

Like everything else, there needs to be measured expectations when it comes to Richardson’s work with the team. Past returns outside of Chicago show a coach who develops talent well and finds success when given the horses. When tasked to lead a winning team, he not only met the challenge but found success that likely landed him the gig with the Blackhawks.

Davidson hired him and will show the same patience there that he has with prospects and development. Like Dickinson, it’s Richardson’s job to lose. Past returns seem to favor his success with a stronger roster.

I’d bet on history repeating itself next season.