Devils Sign Thomas Hickey in Attempt to Bolster Defense

Date: September 14, 2022

By: Justin Lotito

Thomas Hickey in the AHL.

JustSports Photography

The Devils have signed defenseman Thomas Hickey to a professional tryout contract. On Sept. 21, Hickey will join the team when all players report to NHL training camp and will compete for a spot in the organization.

Hickey was drafted fourth overall in the 2007 draft. He went on to have a solid career with the Islanders, tallying 22 goals and 95 assists for a total of 117 goals in 456 career games. Hickey was a serviceable two-way player for New York during his career.

5/3/16 TB @ NYI Thomas Hickey destroys Drouin pic.twitter.com/PoEOPmhlxe
— Isles (@IslesGoals) September 13, 2022

In 2017, he had his best season as a pro, hitting a career high in point total and a stellar plus/minus rating of +20. This landed him a four-year, 10-million-dollar contract in 2018.

Shortly after signing his extension, Hickey began dealing with injuries. This led to a regression in his production.

This past season, Hickey played in the American Hockey League (AHL) for the Bridgeport Islanders and with the Ontario Reign. Hickey put up a stat line of six goals and 12 assists, for a total of 18 points. He did this in only 29 games.

Hickey proved during his stint in the AHL that he still has something left in the tank. A possible outcome from Hickey’s tryout with the team, is he is signed to a two-way deal. This will add to the Devil’s depth on defense with very little cost.

Another bonus of New Jersey signing Hickey is he offers a veteran presence in the locker-room. Now 33, Hickey has spent a good amount of time in the league. He also played in 24 Stanley Cup Playoff games for the Islanders.

Since the Devils have playoff aspirations this year, they need someone who has hands on postseason experience.

Hickey is a low-risk, high-reward signing. If he shows he can still play like he did during his prime on the Islanders, he will bolster the Devils defense all season long.

Justin Lotito can be reached at justin.lotito@student.shu.edu.

Posted in: Sports, NHL, New Jersey Devils