Canucks: 3 takeaways from Jason Dickinson radio interview

Dickinson on inclusion and representation in hockey

On-ice statistics aside, Dickinson is also known to be a strong leader off the ice.

Last summer in the bubble, Dickinson stood alongside other Western Conference players, including Horvat, to take a stand against systemic racism. Both players were front and centre during the moment, prompting Janda to ask Dickinson why the Black Lives Matter movement was so important to him as both a hockey player and as a human being.

"“I mean, when injustice happens, you know, it’s easy to just say somebody else will take care of it, somebody else will step up, and I had an opportunity to use my position and my voice to affect some sort of change. That was the goal, obviously. To be able to be in that position is an absolute privilege that if I just let it go by would have been, I would have been disappointed in myself.”"

Shah also asked the new Canucks forward to share his thoughts on Nashville Predators prospect Luke Prokop, who recently became the first NHL player under contract to come out as gay.

“It’s amazing,” said Dickinson. “I hate that he has to come out like this and, and be praised for his bravery. I love that he’s doing it, but I hate that it is something that he has to do because it doesn’t define him as a hockey player. It has nothing to do with him as a hockey player. And unfortunately, that’s the way it’s looked at. I’m glad he’s taking this step and making it available for younger players that feel the same way as he does that they’re hiding who they truly are to be able to come out and, live truly as as themselves and not hide half their life.”

Dickinson is just wrapping up a two-year, $3 million deal in Dallas, but it appears that Benning isn’t too concerned about contraction negotiations with the 26-year-old RFA. Dickinson was also added to the Canucks’ protection list shortly after the trade.

This is the first time in his NHL career that Dickinson will be playing for a new organization. He will be making the move to Vancouver with his fiancée, Alandra, and his German Shepard, Lola.

You can listen to the full interview here.

And make sure to let us know your thoughts on Dickinson’s first radio interview as a member of the Canucks in the comments below!