Three LA Kings’ draft picks you forgot played in the WHL
By Ryan Sikes
LA Kings 2007 Draft – Thomas Hickey
Selected with the fourth overall pick in 2007, Thomas Hickey had only 9 goals but chipped in 41 assists for the Seattle Thunderbirds in his draft year. And his profile as a pass-first guy as held true. About a month after being drafted, Hickey signed his ELC, and his time in the Kings’ organization was basically one injury after another.
He suffered a significant shoulder injury in November 2009, limiting his year to only 19 games. He returned to the Manchester Monarchs for the next three seasons, serving as an alternate captain. With Manchester, Hickey tallied 12 goals and 50 assists in those three years.
He was claimed off waivers by the Islanders in January 2013, thus ending his time in LA. Injuries have continued to derail his career, playing in only 14 games last season with the Islanders’ AHL affiliate. The 31-year-old has two years left on his deal in New York, but with a crowded left side on defense, Hickey’s playing time next year is going to be hard to come by.
Next. Prospects slipped in The Athletic’s rankings. dark
It’s worth noting that he was the Islanders’ nominee for the Bill Masteron Memorial Trophy after dealing with his brother’s death.