Would the NY Islanders consider Thomas Hickey for the role of GM?

The NY Islanders will begin their search for a new President of Hockey Operations and General Manager, with owner John Collins leading the hunt. There have been some names circulating rumour mill like Mathieu Drache (Tampa Bay Lightning Asst. GM) and Ken Holland. But could the Islanders bring in someone who knows the organization inside and out?

Thomas Hickey hung up his skates in 2022 when he failed to make the New Jersey Devils roster after signing a PTO. Soon after, Hickey began his career in broadcasting, excelling with the Islanders on MSG and Amazon Prime’s Monday Night Hockey in Canada.

Thomas Hickey with NY Islanders management?

His flawless transition to the booth has caught the eye of many, as someone who was extremely cerebral with the way he played the game. Hickey has managed to adapt that into his broadcasts, and at 36, there’s a beleif he can step into a management role with an NHL team.

The Islanders haven’t been at the top of most players' desired destinations, but after playing on Long Island, many fall in love with the area and remain Long Islanders after they retire. 

Hickey, who played parts of nine seasons with the Islanders, is someone who knows the area and what it means to be an Islander, so could he be a candidate for the GM role?

“I also wonder if they’re going to want an Islander in there,” Elliotte Friedman said on the 32 Thoughts podcast.” Like a Matt Martin or a Thomas Hickey. Those are a couple of names I could see. Like train them in the business. Have them learn the business. Or an alumni like Glenn Healy… I could see them saying we want that kind of blood in our office, someone who bleeds New York Islander blue, and working under a more senior person. Not necessarily being the GM, but someone who learns how to become a GM in a few years.”

Hickey has proven he is an excellent hockey mind, and he’d be a fantastic addition to the Islanders front office. He’s the perfect addition to a staff, not in a GM role. But as Friedman said, a person who can be trained in that role.