Red Wings sign undrafted Dman Joe Hicketts to ELC

[Axeman33]

https://twitter.com/DetroitRedWings/...66164175224832

UPDATE: The #RedWings have signed defenseman Joe Hicketts to a three-year entry-level contract. Congrats, @Hicksy_2!

For a little more info on him, read this:

http://www.timescolonist.com/sports/...ence-1.1386677

[Dakkster]

I've been following this guy at the Traverse City tournament and now in main camp. Crazy slick puck-mover with a good shot. Walks the line on the power play with ease and is tough to knock off the puck even if he's on the small side. Lots of Detroit fans and bloggers attending the tournament and watching the games have compared him to Torey Krug, but we're probably talking about a wait time of five years before he hits the NHL. He's going back to junior now and then he needs to bulk up A LOT. As a Detroit fan, I'm really excited they got this kid as a free agent. The way he looked so far, it feels like he should be a 3rd rounder in 2013 or something. He's that mature and poised with the puck and doesn't make many major mistakes in his own end.

[dodospice]

If Joe Hicketts was 2 inches taller, he would have been drafted for sure. Kid is a steal as an undrafted FA, the risk is minor and doesn't cost them a draft pick. Good FA signing, kid does have potential.

[rainydrinkwater]

If Joe Hicketts was 2 inches taller, he would have been drafted for sure. Kid is a steal as an undrafted FA, the risk is minor and doesn't cost them a draft pick. Good FA signing, kid does have potential.

Wow. He is small at 5.8. He does have decent weight for an 18 year old at 185lb though. Still, it's most likely an uphill battle for Hicketts. I sure hope he has a lot of skill to help his cause.