He knows he has his break to prove himself instead of being buried in a deep system.
I don't think you guys realize what we just landed here. We got a 4th overall pick in 2007. Dmen take longer to develop. He worked on his game..I think Hickey's ceiling is top 1/2 defenceman. In fact, I would not be surprised if he gave Amac/Streit/Hamonic a run for their money.
We've got a puck mover here whom...I hope, will be tested on the PP.
This is definitely a huge opportunity for Hickey. He essentially takes the place of what was expected out of Calvin de Haan and it's funny how similar their games are. Both drafted as high end PMD's, evolved into smart, positionally strong KISS type of players.
If he, Reinhart, CDH, and Pokka become regulars for us we can call them the KISS Army.
He knows he has his break to prove himself instead of being buried in a deep system.
I don't think you guys realize what we just landed here. We got a 4th overall pick in 2007. Dmen take longer to develop. He worked on his game..I think Hickey's ceiling is top 1/2 defenceman. In fact, I would not be surprised if he gave Amac/Streit/Hamonic a run for their money.
We've got a puck mover here whom...I hope, will be tested on the PP.
Where he was selected has nothing to do with his potential. I agree with the low risk/High reward scenario, but, when the Kings selected him 4th it's was an off the board selection. He was projected to go early in the second round, though some had him going late in the first.
I wouldn't get my hopes up, he's along in his development and he's spent some time in the 'A' and it's not like he's ripping it up. His numbers are similar to our prospects. It's just that fourth overall selection that gives him pedigree.
Don't forget Alex Daigle went first overall too.
Though I hope for our sake he plans out.
We need a legit top 4, there is too many 'what ifs' this season for me to buy into the hype.
This is definitely a huge opportunity for Hickey. He essentially takes the place of what was expected out of Calvin de Haan and it's funny how similar their games are. Both drafted as high end PMD's, evolved into smart, positionally strong KISS type of players.
Agreed. I think what Grabner has done will light a fire under Hickey's butt. Similar situations: touted first-round picks who couldn't find room amongst the club who drafted him, but sees a clear pathway to earn as much icetime as possible on the Island. This is of course, followed by a significant raise in his next contract if he can prove to management we need him here.
This is his chance to prove to the NHL he deserves his 4th overall status, prove to the haters that he isn't a bust. I love guys who play with a chip on their shoulder, who play to prove the doubters wrong.
I'm very excited to see Hickey finally get a chance in the NHL. The kid was one of the best WHL players I ever witnessed and when he was drafted I was sure he was going to evolve into one of the better defensemen in the NHL. Unfortunately injuries screwed up his career a little bit but I can't wait to see what he can do in the show.
My uncle used to coach him back in Seattle when he was in the WHL. Had nothing but great things to say about him at the time. He is baffled how he hasn't been able to transition into professional hockey.
Well...it hasn't been that long since he was drafted. He's only a year older than people like Donovan. Probably held back by injury....he had three of them and one season ending in 2010 or something.
He looks like a patient puck moving dman..I could see him as a future PP specialist...I think, just like Nino, he has been working on other parts of his game and that is why you don't see the numbers. TBH..There are more negative comments about Hickey coming from us than from people that are familiar with him...AHL and Kings Fans. They would obviously know him best. We are just prejudging without seeing the kid play.
We'll see if the club keeps him..I am sure they will.
Low expectations here, kind of feels like some other first round borderline bust retreads the Islanders have had around in the past.
I am not saying Hickey is a bust or is like the Schremp's of the league. Yet, there is a reason the guy was on waivers. I will obviously support the young man and hold out hope that we have found a solid bottom pairing... Keep the Islanders from rushing the Donovan's and Reinhart's in our system.
My uncle used to coach him back in Seattle when he was in the WHL. Had nothing but great things to say about him at the time. He is baffled how he hasn't been able to transition into professional hockey.
To me I think people have this weird expectation of him. His first year of pro hockey he gets hurt and misses 80% of the season. Then he played two full years in the AHL and then this year it was the lockout so he didn't have an opportunity this year.
08-09 - Finishes year in Juniors, plays a handful of games at the AHL level
09-10 - Done for the season after 19 games
10-11 - Full Season - 24 points
11-12 - Full Season - 26 Points
12-13 - Lockout - 12 points in 33 games
He really only had two seasons where he had an opportunity to make the Kings and he lost a year(09-10) so he was playing catch up while they got guys like Johnson/Doughty/Scuderi/ect.
I think if he gets a chance to take a regular shift with the Isles he'll be alright. Don't know how big a factor he'll be but I think he will be a regular.
Hickey is mostly a story in bad timing. Dean Lombardi picked him when he didn't have anyone on the blueline. Then DL adds Jack Johnson and Drew Doughty. Meanwhile, Hickey gets into injury problems as he starts his pro career. The Kings were willing to leave Hickey in the minors to try to get him to full potential, but with DD and JJ as the primary guys, they are now looking for a complementary defenceman. Hickey changes his game and then gets into more injury problems. Other guys who fill the complementary role pass him on the depth chart. In the end, the Kings have a deep defensive corps and are returning a Cup winning lineup in totality, and they decide to cut the kid loose to give him a chance in an organization where he can get some decent time in the big leagues.
It will be interesting to see how Hickey turns out. He probably still has that offensive flash, but it is now buried under a very solid all around game. He reminds me of a smaller Philippe Boucher - highly rated offensive player who suffered a lot of injuries early in his career and then after rounding out his game, ended up with a good career.
The Islanders ended up with a good player. Don't think that Hickey will be in the top pairing, but as long as he can remain healthy, he will make a good 2nd pairing guy, and probably QB your 2nd PP unit.
Kings fan here. Just wanted to chime in and say that I think this is a good pick-up for you guys. I think Hickey can be a solid third-pairing dman in the future.
Largest/most physical would be the Demon (Reinhart), smallest/quickest would be the Cat (Hickey), smoothest would be the SpaceAce (CDH), and youngest would be the Star Child (Pokka).
Hickey was the 4th overall pick by the Kings in 2007, Wayne McBean was the 4th overall pick by the Kings in 1987. Coincidence ? I think not. Two peas (busts) in a pod. I'm not holding my breath waiting for Hickey to justify that 4th overall pick. Color me meh.
Largest/most physical would be the Demon (Reinhart), smallest/quickest would be the Cat (Hickey), smoothest would be the SpaceAce (CDH), and youngest would be the Star Child (Pokka).
Hilarious and you're spot on. Exactly what I was thinking when you mentioned it.
Where he was selected has nothing to do with his potential. I agree with the low risk/High reward scenario, but, when the Kings selected him 4th it's was an off the board selection. He was projected to go early in the second round, though some had him going late in the first.
Not true. He was ranked 16th overall by ISS and 13th overall by TSN.
I don't know why but i just have this feeling the Isles will pick up Gomez once he's bought out. We need a.#2 C and i have a feeling Snow grabs him. Lines of:
I don't know why but i just have this feeling the Isles will pick up Gomez once he's bought out. We need a.#2 C and i have a feeling Snow grabs him. Lines of:
