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The New York Islanders have reached an extension with defenseman Thomas Hickey on a *four-year deal with a $2.5 million cap hit, according to multiple reports. He was set to become an unrestricted free agent today, and had contact from several teams during last week’s free agent listening period.
*we initially posted that it was two years. Apologies. Corrected.
It’s a safe deal for the Islanders as they look to solidify a blueline that is in transition with Calvin de Haan testing free agency. Hickey is usually effective in a second- or third-pairing role, and a good bet to thrive under new coach Barry Trotz.
Hickey, 29, is coming off a three-year contract that had a $2.2 million cap hit but which paid a $3.1 million salary this past season, according to CapFriendly. So, chalk this one as holding serve rather than going out for inflated prices elsewhere on the market.
Hickey signing seems good, though I won't argue heavily with anyone who thinks it's too high. Reliable, super smart depth guy, not so much that the $ becomes a burden
— Alex Novet (@AlexNovet) July 1, 2018
Hickey is closer to a top-4 defenseman than a bottom pairing guy based on the metrics. The value of the contract makes it movable, it’s a low-risk move which should pay off. Got no issues here.
— Lou York Islanders (@habermetrics) July 1, 2018