Thomas Hickey – New York Islanders: Veteran Defenseman’s Impact on Team’s Defense
Thomas Hickey, a reliable defender for the New York Islanders, carved out a solid NHL career after the team claimed him off waivers from Los Angeles in January 2013. The Calgary native spent six seasons patrolling the Islanders’ blue line, bringing stability and smart puck movement to the team’s defensive corps.
During his time with the Islanders, Hickey appeared in 449 NHL games, scoring 22 goals and adding 94 assists. He also maintained a respectable +20 plus-minus rating throughout his career.
After his playing days ended, Hickey made a smooth transition to broadcasting, where he now serves as a studio analyst for New York Islanders telecasts on MSG Networks. His journey from first-round draft pick to steady NHL defenseman represents the kind of persistence that defines many successful hockey careers. Though never the flashiest player on the ice, Hickey’s intelligent positioning and leadership qualities made him a valued member of the Islanders during a transitional period for the franchise.
The former WHL All-Star didn’t quite live up to the lofty expectations of his fourth overall draft selection in 2007, but he reinvented himself as a dependable depth defenseman who could contribute in multiple situations. His most productive season came in 2014-15 when he recorded 22 points while appearing in all 82 regular season games, demonstrating the durability that coaches value in their blue-liners.
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Early Career and NHL Entry Draft
Thomas Hickey’s path to the NHL started with his standout performances in junior hockey, leading to his selection as a top pick in the 2007 draft.
2007 NHL Entry Draft
Thomas Hickey surprised many hockey analysts when the Los Angeles Kings selected him fourth overall in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft. The Calgary, Alberta native was not projected to go quite that high, but the Kings saw tremendous potential in the undersized defenseman.
Hickey had established himself with the Seattle Thunderbirds of the Western Hockey League (WHL), where his impressive skating ability and hockey IQ stood out. At just 5’11”, his size didn’t match the typical NHL defenseman profile, but his skill set made him a valuable prospect.
After being drafted, Hickey returned to junior hockey, earning Second Team All-Star honors in the WHL. Despite the Kings’ high expectations, Hickey’s transition to professional hockey took time. He spent several seasons developing in the American Hockey League.
The Kings ultimately never saw Hickey play a regular-season game for their organization, despite investing such a high draft pick in him.
Professional Development
Thomas Hickey’s professional journey included significant time developing his skills in the American Hockey League (AHL). His stints with both the Bridgeport Sound Tigers and Ontario Reign were crucial stepping stones in his hockey career.
Bridgeport Sound Tigers
Hickey spent several seasons with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers, the AHL affiliate of the New York Islanders. After being claimed off waivers by the Islanders in January 2013, he split time between the NHL club and their development team in Bridgeport.
During his time with the Sound Tigers, Hickey refined his defensive skills and leadership abilities. He averaged around 20-25 minutes of ice time per game and helped mentor younger prospects in the system.
The defenseman’s solid performance in Bridgeport earned him call-ups to the Islanders, where he eventually secured a more permanent role. His time with the Sound Tigers proved invaluable for his development into an NHL-caliber defenseman.
Ontario Reign
Before joining the Islanders organization, Hickey developed his game with the Ontario Reign, the AHL affiliate of the Los Angeles Kings. His time with the Reign helped shape his defensive awareness and puck-moving abilities.
| Season | Games | Goals | Assists | Points | +/- |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011-12 | 76 | 3 | 23 | 26 | +5 |
| 2012-13 | 33 | 3 | 9 | 12 | +3 |
Hickey’s performance with the Reign caught the attention of several NHL teams. Despite not breaking through with the Kings, his development in Ontario prepared him for his future NHL opportunities.
The defensive fundamentals and hockey IQ he cultivated during this period became hallmarks of his game once he established himself with the Islanders. His time with the Reign represented a critical developmental phase in his professional career.
Challenges and Injuries
Thomas Hickey’s promising NHL career with the New York Islanders faced several significant setbacks that ultimately changed his trajectory in professional hockey. His journey included battling serious health issues while attempting to maintain his place on the Islanders’ roster.
Concussion
Hickey’s career took a dramatic turn when he suffered a concussion in the 40th game of the 2018-19 season. The injury occurred during a game in Colorado in mid-December, when he experienced an awkward fall into the boards that appeared to wrench his body violently.
The aftermath was substantial – Hickey missed 21 straight games with the Islanders. His recovery process benefited from advanced understanding of head injuries, as new knowledge about concussions helped guide his treatment.
Unfortunately, this wasn’t just a temporary setback. Concussion issues continued to plague the defenseman, limiting him to just 14 games after having been a regular in the Islanders lineup for nearly six consecutive seasons.
Glioblastoma Diagnosis
In what became his most serious health challenge, Hickey was diagnosed with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. This devastating diagnosis came during a period when he was already struggling to reestablish himself in the NHL following his concussion issues.
The timing could not have been worse for the defenseman, who was working diligently to return to form. Glioblastoma, known for its poor prognosis and difficult treatment path, required Hickey to shift his focus from hockey to his health.
Treatment protocols typically involve surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy – an exhausting regimen for anyone, let alone a professional athlete attempting to maintain peak physical condition. This diagnosis effectively sidelined Hickey from professional competition during the critical treatment period.
COVID-19 Pandemic
The global COVID-19 pandemic created additional obstacles for Hickey’s potential comeback. When the NHL suspended operations in March 2020, the timing couldn’t have been worse for players like Hickey who were working toward returning to the lineup.
The Islanders established a “bubble” when play resumed, but Hickey was not included in the roster. The unusual circumstances of bubble hockey, limited practice facilities, and restricted movement created significant challenges for players attempting rehabilitation.
The pandemic also complicated medical care for those dealing with serious health conditions like Hickey’s. Regular treatments and medical consultations became more difficult to schedule, and the isolation requirements created additional mental strain during an already challenging period.
For a player already facing health challenges, the destabilizing effect of the pandemic added yet another layer of difficulty to what had become an increasingly uphill battle to reclaim his NHL career.
Significant Career Moments
Thomas Hickey’s time with the New York Islanders included several standout moments that defined his NHL journey. His clutch playoff performances and strong chemistry with teammates helped cement his legacy as a reliable defenseman during an important era for the franchise.
Stanley Cup Playoffs Appearances
Hickey’s playoff contributions for the Islanders were marked by determination and timely plays. During the 2015-16 season, he helped the team advance past the first round for the first time since 1993, facing the Florida Panthers in a hard-fought series.
In the 2015 playoffs against the Washington Capitals, Hickey logged significant ice time while bringing a steady defensive presence. He averaged nearly 20 minutes per game, showing coach Jack Capuano’s trust in his abilities when the stakes were highest.
The 2016 playoffs saw Hickey at his defensive best, particularly in Game 1 against Florida when he delivered a game-changing hit on Jonathan Huberdeau. These moments showcased his ability to rise to the occasion when the Islanders needed him most.
Playing Alongside Key Teammates
Hickey formed effective partnerships with several notable Islanders defensemen during his tenure. Before Adam Pelech and Ryan Pulock emerged as the team’s top pairing, Hickey provided mentorship to younger players including Devon Toews.
His chemistry with Casey Cizikas and Cal Clutterbuck on ice created opportunities for clutch overtime goals, with Hickey scoring six overtime winners during his Islanders career. These timely goals often came when the team needed them most.
In later seasons, Hickey shared the locker room with rising star Mat Barzal, contributing to the team culture that helped develop today’s Islanders core. Though his ice time decreased as players like Noah Dobson emerged, Hickey’s influence on team dynamics remained significant throughout his career.
Transition into Broadcasting
After hanging up his skates, Thomas Hickey found a new home in the broadcast booth. His playing experience and hockey IQ translated seamlessly to analyzing the game he loves.
Studio Analyst at MSG Network
Thomas Hickey joined the NY Islanders broadcast team for MSG Networks in 2022, making a remarkably smooth transition from player to analyst. The former defenseman quickly established himself as an insightful voice, bringing his on-ice perspective to viewers across New York.
Hickey typically appears alongside host Shannon Hogan during pre-game, intermission, and post-game segments. His recent playing experience gives him unique insights into the current Islanders roster and systems.
What’s impressive about Hickey’s broadcasting journey is how quickly he found his footing. After just two years in the booth, he’s thriving in his second career. He’s officially part of the 2023-24 season broadcast team, cementing his position with MSG.
Insights on Game Intermissions
During intermissions, Hickey excels at breaking down complex plays into digestible analysis for fans. He joins a rotation of other former players turned analysts including Cory Schneider and veteran Butch Goring, creating a diverse analytical team for Islanders coverage.
His ability to dissect defensive structures and special teams play stands out. Hickey often uses telestrator technology to highlight positioning and decision-making moments that casual fans might miss.
Recent developments suggest Hickey’s broadcasting talents may soon reach a broader audience. He and play-by-play announcer John Forslund are reportedly close to joining Amazon Prime’s Monday Night Hockey broadcast team. This potential national platform would mark a significant step up in his broadcasting career.
Impact on the Islanders and Legacy
Thomas Hickey’s tenure with the New York Islanders left an indelible mark on the organization through his leadership, defensive reliability, and perseverance through adversity.
Leadership in the Locker Room
Hickey emerged as a quiet but impactful leader during his seven seasons with the Islanders. Despite not wearing a letter on his jersey, he commanded respect through his work ethic and professionalism.
Veterans and rookies alike gravitated toward his steady presence. When the team faced adversity, Hickey often served as the calm voice of reason. His approach to the game—methodical, detail-oriented, and team-first—set a standard for younger defensemen in the organization.
Coaches routinely praised Hickey’s mentorship abilities. Barry Trotz once noted that having Hickey around was “like having another coach in the room,” particularly when working with younger blueliners on positioning and decision-making.
Influence on the Team’s Success
Hickey’s defensive reliability helped stabilize a blue line that needed consistency during a transitional period for the franchise.
| Season | Games | Points | +/- | Avg TOI |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013-14 | 82 | 22 | +10 | 17:32 |
| 2014-15 | 81 | 22 | +5 | 18:47 |
| 2015-16 | 62 | 19 | -3 | 18:12 |
| 2016-17 | 76 | 20 | +8 | 17:31 |
His overtime winner against Florida in the 2016 playoffs stands as perhaps his most memorable moment, helping propel the Islanders to their first playoff series win since 1993.
Hickey’s four-year, $10 million contract signed in 2018 reflected the organization’s belief in his value, though injuries would later limit his impact on the ice.
Remembered by Teammates
Former teammates consistently highlight Hickey’s resilience as his defining characteristic. After being waived by the Kings, his ability to establish himself as an NHL regular with the Islanders earned universal respect.
“Hicks never complained, never made excuses,” one former teammate explained. “He just showed up and did whatever the team needed.”
His post-playing transition to broadcasting has kept him connected to the Islanders organization, where he continues to analyze the team’s performance with the same insightful approach he brought to the ice.
The curious case of Thomas Hickey represents one of perseverance and determination. His willingness to mentor others and contribute to team culture made him a valued figure whose impact extended beyond his statistical contributions.
Off-Ice Contributions
Thomas Hickey’s impact extends well beyond his on-ice performance with the New York Islanders, demonstrating remarkable character through his personal challenges and community involvement.
Charitable Efforts
Hickey has shown incredible strength in the face of personal tragedy. After losing his brother Dan to brain cancer in 2018, he channeled his grief into meaningful action. The defenseman became actively involved with organizations focused on cancer research and support for families affected by the disease.
His annual participation in the Islanders’ hospital visits brought comfort to young patients battling serious illnesses. These weren’t just photo opportunities—Hickey spent quality time connecting with children and their families.
Hickey also contributed to the Islanders’ Children’s Foundation, which raises funds for youth health and wellness initiatives across Long Island. His fundraising efforts helped provide essential resources for education and health programs in underserved communities.
Community Engagement
Hickey embraced his role as a community ambassador during his tenure with the Islanders. His transition from player to MSG broadcaster in 2022 allowed him to maintain his connection with fans while sharing insights from his playing days.
The former defenseman regularly participated in the team’s community outreach programs, including youth hockey clinics where he mentored aspiring players. These sessions weren’t just about hockey skills—they emphasized teamwork, perseverance, and character development.
His accessibility to fans made him a fan favorite both on and off the ice. Hickey consistently made time for autograph sessions and fan events, understanding the importance of giving back to the community that supported him throughout his career.
More recently, Hickey has expanded his media presence by joining the Amazon Prime Canadian broadcast team, further cementing his role as an ambassador for hockey and the Islanders organization.
The Future of Defense in Hockey
Thomas Hickey’s career arc provides valuable insights into how defensive play is evolving in the modern NHL. His transition from player to analyst showcases the depth of knowledge defensemen bring to understanding the game’s changing landscape.
Evolution of the Blueliner
The role of NHL defensemen has undergone dramatic transformation in recent years, shifting from stay-at-home defenders to mobile playmakers. Hickey, despite his modest 6-foot frame, exemplified this evolution during his Islanders tenure from 2012-2022.
Today’s successful blueliners must combine defensive awareness with offensive instincts. Players like Noah Dobson represent this new breed – defensemen who can quarterback power plays while maintaining defensive responsibilities.
“The game has changed completely,” Hickey noted during a recent NHL Network appearance. “Defensemen now need to skate exceptionally well and make quick decisions with the puck.”
Analytics have fueled this evolution, with teams valuing defenders who excel in zone exits, controlled entries, and possession metrics rather than just hits and blocked shots.
Mentorship to Younger Players
Hickey’s impact extends beyond his on-ice contributions through his mentorship role with younger defensemen. Sebastian Aho and others have benefited from Hickey’s guidance during his later years with the organization.
“Thomas was always willing to share his knowledge,” one teammate remarked in a birthday tribute piece.
This mentorship continues in Hickey’s current role as a studio analyst for MSG Networks, where his insights help educate fans and young players alike on defensive nuances.
Personal Growth and Future Goals
Hickey’s post-NHL journey reflects careful planning and personal growth. After his final professional season, he split time between the Islanders (appearing in just two games) and the Ontario Reign. He briefly explored continuing his playing career with a professional tryout with the Devils and considered playing in Switzerland.
Instead, broadcasting became his new passion. Hickey has embraced family life while building his media career, demonstrating the balance many players seek after retirement.
His growing reputation in hockey broadcasting suggests potential for expansion into national coverage roles beyond regional networks. Former teammates consistently point to Hickey’s intelligence and communication skills as attributes that serve him well in this second career.
