Thomas Hickey News

Thomas Hickey found a home on the New York Islanders' blue line, and Thursday the team rewarded the restricted free agent with a two-year contract. Terms of the deal were not announced, but Newsday reported the total value to be $1.35 million.

Hickey, 24, made his NHL debut last season and had four points and a plus-9 rating in 39 games. He appeared in two of the team's six Stanley Cup Playoff games against the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Los Angeles Kings made Hickey the No. 4 pick in the 2007 NHL Draft, but after playing 212 games with the Manchester Monarchs in the American Hockey League, Hickey was waived and claimed by the Islanders on Jan. 15.

Thomas Hickey
As long as Drew Doughty remains unsigned — and there's no telling when the restricted free-agent defenseman's dispute with the Kings will be resolved — Thomas Hickey and Viatcheslav Voynov will continue to dream their NHL dreams.

The former fourth overall pick scored 6 goals and 24 points in 77 games with the Manchester Monarchs -- not exactly lighting the lamp at an elite level. Nevertheless, Hickey could be one of those late bloomers who perform better at the higher level. After last night, however, he probably is behind at least Voynov.

Thomas Hickey
Doughty isn’t in camp, which isn’t good for the Kings in general, but it is an opportunity for a young defenseman to step forward and make an impression during his absence. And why not Thomas Hickey?

The former fourth overall pick scored 6 goals and 24 points in 77 games with the Manchester Monarchs -- not exactly lighting the lamp at an elite level. Nevertheless, Hickey could be one of those late bloomers who perform better at the higher level.

Thomas Hickey