New York Islanders Thomas Hickey Injury Is a Big Blow

Against the Colorado Avalanche, New York Islanders defenseman Thomas Hickey fell awkwardly into the boards and is now on IR. The Islanders will miss Thomas Hickey.

It was a routine play. New York Islanders defenseman Thomas Hickey went to lay a hit on Colorado Avalanche forward Tyson Jost along the board in the defensive zone. But instead of connecting with Jost Hickey missed and fell into the boards at an awkward angle.

With the way Hickey’s head hit the boards the play was waved off immediately to make sure he was alright. Hickey would eventually get up on his own, and with a bit of help, get to the dressing room. But his night was over.

And now, the Islanders have placed Thomas Hickey on IR retroactive to December 17th and called up Devon Toews to the team. Good on Toews for getting the call, but the Islanders will still miss Hickey.

All Situations Guy

Thomas Hickey is one of those defensemen that coaches love to have around. They aren’t going to sit at the top of the depth chart, but they round out the roster and give coaches a solid option in any situation.

So far this season, Thomas Hickey has averaged 19:04 of total ice time per game. That includes a little bit of power play time and 2:26 of shorthanded time per game. Head coach Barry Trotz clearly trusts Thomas Hickey in any situation.

Say what you will about the quality and skill of Devon Toews, but he won’t have that trust from Barry Trotz from day one. He’s going to have to earn it. The swap in terms of deployment with Hickey and Toews won’t be one-for-one.

Of course, Toews has more offensive upside than Thomas Hickey does. But we all know that Barry Trotz values defense first. That’s why Thomas Hickey will be missed.

Hickey is an underrated member of the New York Islanders blue line. His four points in 32 games don’t jump off the page. But he’s still a factor in the Islanders offense.

He’s currently third on the team in terms of CF% (if you don’t count Luca Sbisa and his six games this season). He’s also second on the team (for blueliners) in terms of high danger chances for this season.

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Thomas Hickey does it all for the New York Islanders. While I’m excited to see Devon Toews finally get his chance in the NHL. Thomas Hickey will be missed on the Isles blueline.