Canucks: 3 takeaways from Jason Dickinson radio interview

Dickinson on Pettersson, Hughes, Roussel

The former Dallas Star then went on to speak about the opportunity to play with Elias Pettersson.

“He’s extremely crafty, very smart, obviously a great shot as well.” said Dickinson. “He brings a lot of creativity to the to the ice, and that’s the hardest thing with him. You find some guys are very straightforward, up-and-down-the-wall-type players, but he’s very crafty, he likes to move all across the ice, find open ice and make a lot of beautiful plays. Those are tough guys to cover, so it’s nice to have on your team instead.”

Riccio also asked Dickinson about Quinn Hughes, and about the mindset you need to have when forechecking against a skilled young defenceman like that.

“These guys are special because they can skate so well,” Dickinson said. ” So you got to respect that a little bit when you’re going in on the forecheck and maybe give them a little bit extra space to really show you what they’re going to do, because as soon as you commit on the forecheck to one way on a guy like that, they’re going the opposite and you’re going to be left in the dust.

Riccio also made sure to make the comparison between Hughes and Dickinson’s former teammate, Miro Heiskanen.

"“Nothing fazes Miro, he’s so calm at all times. It’s impressive, nothing ever gets to him. He’s level-headed at all times and under extreme pressure. He’s cool as a cucumber and finds his way out of [all situations]. It’s honestly incredible to watch and from what I’ve seen from Quinn, it’s very similar.”"

Dickinson also shared his thoughts on reuniting with Antoine Roussel, and what it was like playing against him over the past few years.

“It was weird to play against him the first time because he’s very intense,” Dickinson said.  “He plays the game with a lot of edge and it’s weird being friends with somebody like that, and then having to go out there and battle against them for an entire game.

It’s always intimidating moving to a new city and new organization, but Dickinson finds himself fortunate to have a familiar face in Roussel.

"“Russo is a an amazing guy, a great person, and I’m excited to get to reconnect with him because he was very welcoming to me as a young guy. When I was struggling, trying to find my way in the system there, he was very welcoming and a good person to be around.”"