New York Islanders‘ defenseman Thomas Hickey has been on the Islanders for a long time. And by a long time, I mean 7 full years. Thomas Hickey has produced many memorable moments in his 7-year tenure with the Isles.
No Islander fan can forget his overtime winner against the Washington Capitals to clinch their spot in the 2015 Playoffs. Nowadays, Hickey is the 8th defenseman on the Islanders and an AHL mainstay. With the trade of Devon Toews and possibly Johnny Boychuk, can Thomas Hickey make the NHL roster?
No, He Can’t
I’ll be making a case for both sides here because this is a really good argument. Thomas Hickey hasn’t played an NHL game since 2018. And it’s not like Johnny Boychuk or the young Noah Dobson was lightyears ahead of him. Hell, even Sebastian Aho, is ahead of him in the depth chart.
Thomas Hickey won’t play in an Islanders uniform again unless 3 defenders all go down at once. Hickey was terrible in the AHL, as he only recorded 3 points against bad competition. Hickey is an offensive defenseman, 3 points against B-level talent in 14 games his unacceptable. Thomas Hickey is done on the Island. But, no one is taking his $2.5 million dollar cap hit.
Yes, He Can
Thomas Hickey’s time to shine is right now. God has sent down a blessing for Hickey. I mean, Sebastian Aho will never be NHL ready, and who is going to take Boychuk’s spot? Andy Greene is going to be with Nick Leddy. Adam Pelech will obviously be with Ryan Pulock. And Scott Mayfield will be with Noah Dobson. The 7th defenseman, the one who will have to be ready to play every night. Thomas Hickey can get some serious minutes even if a defender doesn’t get hurt. Thomas Hickey’s career can be revived by being a solid 7th defender.