Top 20 Detroit Red Wings Prospects To Watch In 2019-20
By Tyler Kotila
Joe Hicketts, Grand Rapids Griffins, 27 points in 2018-19
The Detroit Red Wings brought back defenseman Joe Hicketts on a two-year contract that is worth $700K annually. Hicketts is twenty-three years old and looking to edge out one of the other defenseman prospects for a crack at the top six defenders or even being that seventh man. With a logjammed team full of defenseman, Hicketts is going to have to outplay some guys like Oliwer Kaski or Madison Bowey, but he could get promoted eventually.
Hicketts was signed, not drafted and since then has spent his time with the Grand Rapids Griffins. Last year, Hicketts played in sixty-four games, managing to put up twenty-seven points in the form of three goals and twenty-four assists. In 2018-19, he also got a chance to play in eleven games with the NHL roster, though he did not register a point.
Hicketts is a 5-foot-8, 180-pound left-hand shot that is not afraid to throw the body around even being a smaller frame. Hicketts may not be the most toolsy player; he is not a gifted player who excels on both sides of the ice. Hicketts can be of use in the offensive zone; he is stronger fitted as an offensive defenseman, which is why his stint with the NHL team last year was focusing on him adjusting to the defensive zone.
The best thing about Hicketts is that he is a passionate player who will go into the corner and get dirty. He will consistently outwork other players to make sure he is in an excellent position to score, defend, and make the right play. His offensive ability maybe the sour part of his game. However, Hicketts has no issue rushing the net to create another open man and possibly help get the puck into the back of the net however he can.
Early Expectation: With defenseman being a cause for concern and Mike Green, Trevor Daley, and Jonathan Ericsson on the way out the door, Hicketts could earn a spot in the top six. Hicketts will have competition as GM Steve Yzerman has filled the AHL team with defenseman all gunning for a place on the roster.
Hopefully, Hicketts can outwork some of these guys and at least get a chance with the NHL team. Hicketts himself can be a more offensive concentrated defenseman who joins the rush and can be a part of scoring chances that are created.