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Training Camp
#2 Joe Hicketts
Pos: D
D.O.B.: 5/4/96
From: Kamloops, BC
Height: 5'8
Weight: 177
Shoots: Left
Drafted: Undrafted
Acquired: Signed to 3-yr contract by Detroit (NHL) 9/24/14
Personal:
Plus: Tremendous skater... Plays larger than size, willing to play physical... Positionally sound defenseman who uses his speed to make plays... Great work ethic and leadership skills...
Minus: Undersized especially for a defenseman... injury concerns...
Organizational Comments: Red Wings GM - Ken Holland "He's got great hockey sense, he really distributes the puck well. He knows how to join the rush and he's competitive. At five-foot-eight, he's obviously not the biggest guy, but he knows how to position himself. He's got great instincts and hockey IQ. We're real happy with the first half of the season he's had after we signed him."
What GRC says: 2019-20 After an off year last season, Hicketts came to camp ready to go this year, and the results have been hard to argue with. He leads the Griffins blueline corps in scoring despite spending time with the parent Wings earlier in the season and is playing with the energy that seemed to be missing for a large part of last season. His defensive game has been sound as he quietly makes plays and send the puck up ice. While his physical game has been a bit toned down from his past levels, his penchant for bad penalties has also been toned down, meaning he is on the ice more where he is needed. A favorite of the organization because of his spirit and enthusiasm, he has earned another look in Detroit to see if he can lay claim to one of the open spots next year.
2018-19 A battler, Hicketts never gives up, and has overcome a lack of size to make it to this level. But for the second straight year, he has been too inconsistent, with just too many nights you don't notice him. He Picked it up down the stretch a bit but took some terrible penalties that cost the team as he lost control several times. Despite spending some time in Detroit, Hicketts is in danger of being passed over by other prospects. The fan favorite restricted free agent is expected to be given a qualifying offer to return again.
2017-18 A fan favorite for his energetic style, Hicketts had an up and down season, suffering from the sophomore slump. His offensive game fell off from his rookie campaign and he was not as impactful of a player in any aspect of hi game. He seemed to perk up a bit after a late season look in Detroit, but it did not carry over long after his return to the AHL. He will contend for a spot on the Red Wings blueline if there is an open spot, but could be in tough to displace a veteran or beat out fellow prospect Hronek. In either case he needs to up his game next season or risk getting passed by.
2016-17 The Griffins diminutive rookie raised the level of his game again in the second half, pushing his offense numbers a bit while showing improved confidence in carrying the puck up ice. His defensive game remains rock solid and he expanded his role to play some tougher minutes in the latter stages including some time on special teams. He also made a name for himself with his deadly hip-check, routinely sending larger opponents flying and not backing down when they inevitably came back to challenge him after being embarrassed. His offensive game remains the next piece of the puzzle he needs to engage consistently as he is capable of creating more opportunities on a regular basis. With the parent club's brittle blueline, a solid start could lead to his first NHL "action. "
Summer 2016 There area lot of things to like about Hicketts, the "little engine that could". He has a a motor that never quits and will outwork and outlast other players. He was an undrafted free agent tryout that earned a contract and improved his game to be a member of the canadian world junior team. He should be a key to the powerplay and give the Griffins blueline a boost. He has been compared favorably to former wing Brian Rafalski.
Role: Offensive Defenseman
Projection: NHL 5-6 Blueliner

Statistics:

Transactions
9/10/14 Invited to training Camp
9/24/14 Signed 3-yr contract with Detroit (NHL)
4/20/15 Reassigned by Detroit from Victoria (WHL)
4/24/16 Assigned by Detroit (NHL)
10/8/16 Assigned by Detroit (NHL)
10/1/17 Assigned by Detroit (NHL)
1/21/18 Recalled by Detroit (NHL)
1/23/18 Assigned by Detroit (NHL)
3/26/18 Recalled by Detroit (NHL)
4/4/18 Assigned by Detroit (NHL)
10/1/18 Assigned by Detroit (NHL)
10/3/18 Recalled by Detroit (NHL)
10/31/18 Assigned by Detroit (NHL)
12/8/18 Assigned by Detroit (NHL)
12/8/18 Recalled by Detroit (NHL)
4/1/19 Recalled by Detroit (NHL)
4/7/19 Assigned by Detroit (NHL)
7/1/19 RFA - Qualified - Re-Signed
7/17/19 Signed 2-yr contract with Detroit (NHL)
9/29/19 Assigned by Detroit (NHL)
10/29/19 Recalled by Detroit (NHL)
11/7/19 Assigned by Detroit (NHL)
11/14/19 Recalled by Detroit (NHL)
11/17/19 Assigned by Detroit (NHL)
11/20/19 Recalled by Detroit (NHL)
11/22/19 Assigned by Detroit (NHL)
1/11/21 Placed on Waivers by Detroit for assignment
1/12/21 Asigned to Grand Rapids (AHL)