I wonder if there was some bad analytics stuff done here.
Like, this article on Dickinson is insane :
Further analyzing Jason Dickinson’s game and how he’ll help the Canucks
A whole analytics-based article hyping Dickinson as an elite #3 defensive C that doesn't mention that Dickinson played mostly 2nd line wing (and not at all as a #3C) in 20-21. And that even though his advanced stats look great in isolation ... 5 of the top 12 forwards in the NHL in terms of defensive metrics played for Dallas, so clearly there was something going on over and above the raw numbers.
It's right up there with the Wiercioch takes from a few years earlier. I wonder if the team was suckered by the same stuff? Or if it was just old fashioned back pro scouting? Or both?
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That said, Dickinson would be a useful enough bottom-6 winger at like <$1.5 million. As usual, the asset was just destroyed by the contract it was given.