Devon Toews steps seamlessly into Islanders’ defensive role

The Islanders’ 2017-18 season was polluted with defensive struggles, but they have made an impressive turnaround.

The call-up of rookie defenseman Devon Toews in December, seemed to put a bow on their league-leading defense. That is especially important because of the loss of Thomas Hickey, who currently is without a definitive timeline for a return after awkwardly crashing into the boards against the Avalanche on Dec. 17.

The Islanders’ 2-1 loss against the Rangers on Saturday afternoon was their third in the past 10 contests. In the home-and-home that started with a win Thursday at the Garden, the Islanders gave up five goals to a team whose offense was nearly non-existent in a 2-6-2 stretch heading into Saturday.

Before the 29-year-old Hickey was sidelined, he had accumulated just four assists, but played a prominent role on defense. Toews, who has been part of just two losses since being called up, has seamlessly integrated into the defense.

“I don’t know if he’s settled in to Thomas’ role,” coach Barry Trotz said before Saturday’s game. “I think he’s added a little bit of a dimension for us. Balance out the pairs as far as puck-movers and defenders if you will. He’s fit in really well. He’s fit in comfortably.

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“We’ve had good success with him in the lineup. I think with every game that passes, I think he believes he’s a contributing player. When you first come in, you just want to not make any mistakes and be part of the group. I think you get to a point where you get some confidence and become a contributing player. … I think he’s on the verge of feeling like he’s a contributing player, night-in, night-out.”

Toews has three points (two goals, one assist) in the past five games while averaging roughly 17 minutes of ice time. He has been clutch several times this season, such as on an overtime goal against the Blackhawks on Jan. 3 or a flawless stretch-pass to Anders Lee for the game-winner over the Blues on Jan. 5.

As for when Hickey will be able to rejoin this new-and-improved defense …

“We want to do what’s best for the player,” Trotz said. “I don’t know if it’s a setback, but we just want to be cautious with it. He’s real important for us, and we’re not trying to rush him at all. … We backed him off a little bit and that was on trainer’s orders.”