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Where Does Joe Hicketts fit in with the Detroit Red Wings?

By Bob Heyrman

NEWARK, NJ - JANUARY 22: Detroit Red Wings defensman Joe Hicketts (2) knocks down New Jersey Devils center Nico Hischier (13) during the first period of the National Hockey League game between the New Jersey Devils and the Detroit Red Wings on January 22, 2018, at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
NEWARK, NJ - JANUARY 22: Detroit Red Wings defensman Joe Hicketts (2) knocks down New Jersey Devils center Nico Hischier (13) during the first period of the National Hockey League game between the New Jersey Devils and the Detroit Red Wings on January 22, 2018, at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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Joe Hicketts had a cup of coffee last season with the Detroit Red Wings.  Hicketts impressed, with his energy and willingness to be physical, even being small in stature.

The Detroit Red Wings will need to evaluate Joe Hicketts and decide what they’d like to do.   Hicketts in five games played last season for the Wings recorded three assists.  He also averaged 17:21 per game in those contests. Hicketts plays a much more physical style of play than his 5’8 frame would suggest.

The Opportunity;

Hicketts will have an opportunity to compete with Filip Hronek, Nick Jensen and Dennis Cholowski amongst others this preseason for the final defenceman position in Motown.

Hicketts had twelve blocked shots in those five games played which is impressive.  Scouts have suggested Hicketts may turn into a nice power play catalyst in the future.  Detroit may be interested with that assumption due to a limping power play much of last season.

Mike Green will anchor the first PP group.  Green who won’t be in the Red Wings long-term plans of course due to his age, along with many other Detroit Red Wings defensemen.

Hicketts at 22 years old may have an opportunity to stick with the club in the future.  Joe Hicketts may not win the job out of camp to become a regular in Detroit, but he will undoubtedly be on the radar as a first call-up if injuries occur.

We all would love for the feisty style of play Joe Hicketts has demonstrated in his little NHL time to play along with Filip Hronek as the third pairing for the Red Wings.  Reality is; Ken Holland will not move on from Jonathan Ericsson, this one of the most frustrating situations regarding this franchise to date.

Grand Rapids;

Joe Hicketts, last season for the Grand Rapids Griffins, took a bit of a step backward statistically.  He recorded 3 goals, and 9 assists in 67 games played and was a minus 10.

Two seasons ago Hicketts posted much better numbers 7 goals 27 helpers to total 34 points and was a plus 15.

Hicketts had fewer points than Brian Lashoff for the Griffins last season, that is hard to do.  Lashoff not known for his offensive ability or any type of power play work.  Hicketts scored two of his three goals on the power play last season for GR.

The Future;

If Joe Hicketts can put together an outstanding campaign in Grand Rapids, he will have an opportunity for a Detroit reunion this season.  The expectation is Hronek will push hard for a starting job in Detroit which opens up top pair minutes in Grand Rapids.

The Griffins will use Hicketts in many situations trying to make sure he’s a bit more prepared when the phone rings from Detroit.

Detroit has a lot of openings starting next summer, and then plenty more the year after, we expect and hope Joe Hicketts has played well enough to be around still when that time comes.

Next. Potential 30 Goal achievers for the Detroit Red Wings. dark

With Niklas Kronwall‘s health & future in doubt after this season is completed and Nick Jensen becoming a UFA, Hicketts should have every opportunity to perform to the best of his ability and push for a roster position soon.

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