Thomas Hickey #34 of the Islanders in action against the Philadelphia Flyers during their game at Nassau Coliseum on March 20, 2021. Credit: Getty Images/Al Bello
The emotional, successful return of Thomas Hickey to the Islanders’ lineup may be a short-lived one. But it still may have long-term implications as the NHL’s April 12 trade deadline approaches.
Hickey’s seven-plus seasons of NHL experience could be enticing to another team as Islanders president and general manager Lou Lamoriello tries to improve his team. Or, Lamoriello could be convinced Hickey and Sebastian Aho are enough defense depth for the playoff push.