Jason Dickinson must prove last season was not just a career year for the Chicago Blackhawks

Jason Dickinson had a career season last year for the Chicago Blackhawks.

It was one of the reasons the team extended him for two more seasons. The hope is Dickinson can produce an even better season this year.

However, he is not going to be asked to carry the offensive burden like he was last season.

The additions of Tyler Bertuzzi and Teuvo Teravainen in free agency and the return of Taylor Hall from injured reserve means Dickinson will move down to the third line.

Jason did play on that line last season, but the lack of front line talent outside of Connor Bedard and injuries meant he had to play in the top six.

Dickinson helps a team win better on the third line since he can lay a hit. Adding his newfound scoring ability should help the Hawks be more effective on line that can check and produce some offense.

He will likely skate with Nick Foligno and recently acquired Ilya Mikhehev. While Foligno's days of scoring 30 goals are behind him, he can still post double-digit goals. All three can produce a value season of 30 points or more.

However, it would be nice if Dickinson proved last season was not a career season, but instead, it is the start of a productive offensive career.

He put in the work last offseason to improve his shot, and it paid off. It would be nice if that shot continues to score goals even if he is not a part of the team's top six.

Where the Hawks need Jason the most is on the penalty kill. He should still be part of thefirst-unit penalty kill. The Hawks must get better in that department as they were in the bottom 10 of the league last year.

That is not to say Dickinson is a bad on the penalty-kill. If the Hawks want to improve their record, they just need to improve their offensive production and keeping opponents from scoring when they are a man down.

It would also be a bonus if Dickinson does not regress and proves he was not a one-hit-wonder when it comes to putting the puck in the back of the net.