The New York Islanders placed defenseman Thomas Hickey on injured reserve today. This comes just before the NHL roster freeze later this week. The 29-year-old was listed day to day with an upper-body injury earlier this week. The club announced they recalled Devon Toews from the AHL to replace Hickey.
#Isles place Thomas Hickey on IR and recall Devon Toews.
— Arthur Staple (@StapeAthletic) December 19, 2018
Thomas Hickey Out
Thomas Hickey is in his 7th season in the NHL. All with the New York Islanders. He played parts of 5 seasons in the AHL before becoming a full-time NHL player. He was drafted 4th overall by the LA Kings back in 2007. While he hasn’t lived up to being a top pick, Hickey has been solid on the Islanders blueline. He has played 441 NHL games and has 22 goals, 93 assists for 115 points in that time.
Hickey ranks 3rd among Islanders defence in time on ice per game at even strength. He also ranks third in all situations. Behind only Ryan Pulock and Nick Leddy. This absence will clearly be missed for the Islanders.
Moving Forward
The Isles currently sit third in the Metro division with 38 points. It has been a pleasantly surprising year for the team as they were expected to be basement dwellers. They will need a group effort to replace Hickey’s minutes while he is out if they wish to keep the Pens off their tail.
The Islanders have a tough schedule before the new year. The play the Golden Knights, Stars, Sens, Leafs and Sabres before January first. No doubt they will be looking to get Hickey back in as soon as they can with a schedule that features two of the top teams in hockey, and one of the hottest right now.
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