Thomas Hickey joins the MSG Networks’ NY Islanders broadcast team

For Thomas Hickey, one tryout might not have worked out, but another one sure did. The former Islanders defenseman had signed a PTO with the New Jerseys Devils during training camp but was released from his professional tryout agreement on Oct. 3rd.

Soon after, we saw him alongside Shannon Hogan during intermission during the Isles home stand and sticking around to breakdown highlights during the post-game. He was a natural and now he's officially a TV analyst. MSG announced that Hickey will officially join the MSG Networks’ Islanders broadcast team as a studio analyst for the remainder of the season.

"It’s truly an honor to join MSG Networks as an Islanders studio analyst and begin this next chapter of my career. I’m thrilled for the opportunity to now cover the team I was fortunate enough to play for, as well as connect with the fans in a new way."

- Thomas Hickey

Selected 4th overall by the Kings in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft, Hickey has played 456 career games, all with the Islanders, scoring 22 goals and registering 117 points. He appeared in two games for the Isles last season when the team battled COVID-19. In 34 AHL games with Bridgeport and the Ontario Reign, he had six goals and 12 assists.

Hickey was signed to a four-year extension with the Islanders after finishing with 25 points (five goals, 20 assists) in 69 games during the 2017-18 season. The diminutive blueliner had a penchant for clutch goals during his early Islanders career, scoring five over-time goals, with the most memorable coming in Game 3 of the 2016 Eastern Conference Quarterfinals versus the Florida Panthers.

“We’re excited to add Thomas Hickey to our Islanders broadcast team,” said Jeff Filippi, MSG Networks Senior Vice President of Programming and Production and Executive Producer. “As a recently retired player, Thomas has suited up with many of the current Islanders and has competed against most players n the league, giving fans a real inside look into the current NHL.”