Embed from Getty Images He stands 5’ 8” for a defenseman he’s not very big. But, he is very solidly-built. He can hit with the best of them and is a good player puck mover. The Detroit Red Wings were wise in calling him up.
Hicketts, is a playmaker. No matter his size. He can flat out create plays and he is an above average goal scorer. He is one of the Red Wings prospects I’ve been waiting on. And now he gets an audition in Motown.
Even given his short stature he has all the tools to be a solid second line defenseman. In my opinion Joe Hicketts should be part of the Red Wings next group of core players moving forward.
Joe, plays with a lot of energy. Make that high energy. Hicketts credits Detroit Red Wings defensemen Niklas Kronwall as being the player he wanted to model his game after.
The difference is Kronwall is playing on two damaged knees and at 37 years old is closer to the end of his career. Joe Hicketts is 21 years old with two good knees and can be a difference maker for the Wings.
So perhaps it’s best to view this as a passing of the torch. From a good defenseman to one who aspires to be just like him.
Joe Hicketts, is worth watching. His progress should be quick. The Red Wings need to add more to the defensive crop. But Hicketts is a good place to start.
