Joe Hicketts

Detroit lacked offensive weapons on the blue line last season. Veteran Mike Green led the way with 35 points, but add up and average the totals of the remaining eight defensemen and you barely get 13 points apiece. Hicketts is a gifted playmaker who figures to breathe life into the Wings’ offense from the back end someday. The only question -- and it’s a biggie -- is when will he arrive on the big stage? Hicketts has played for the Victoria Royals of the WHL the past four seasons, serving as captain. Most recently, he impressed scouts with back-to-back campaigns of 50-plus assists. Hicketts would go on to earn WHL Western Conference First All-Star honors and a gold medal at the 2016 World Junior Championship as a representative for Team Canada. He’ll almost assuredly require development time in the minors, yet it’s tough to ignore his rapid ascension to date. Despite not getting drafted, Hicketts participated in the Red Wings development camp in 2014, and eventually, the annual prospects tournament. Look for Hicketts to compete for a roster spot in training camp and keep him in mind for dynasty leagues.