Travis Hamonic Requests To Be Traded

Elliotte Friedman broke the news earlier today that Isles star defenseman, Travis Hamonic asked for a trade prior to the start of the 2015-16 season.  Hamonic declined to comment after the news broke and it was reported that his reasons were of a personal nature. It is reported that he will comment on to the media sometime tomorrow after speaking to his teammates about the situation.  Neither, Islanders General Manger Garth Snow or Hamonic’s agent, Kevin Epp, were available for comment. 

Travis Hamonic signed a 7 year deal in 2013 worth $27M to with the Islanders.  His injury at the end of last season was the primary reason in this blogger’s (and most everyone else’s) opinion for New York’s first round elimination in last season’s playoffs.  Hamonic is said to hold no ill will to the Isles organization, but feels a move to a western Canadian team is very important for him for personal reasons.  Darren Dreger said, “Hamonic loves the Isles. This is personal. Wpg, Edmtn, Cgy and Van all preferred. Might expand to other west cities. Tough on Isles, Garth Snow wants an equitable player in return. Given status of Hamonic tough deal to make.”

Hamonic’s 23 minutes of tenacious ice time per game will be very difficult to replace.  His character is another great commodity that will be lost to the Islanders and well as his leadership and presence in the community. He overcame the death of his father and made it a commitment to reach out to other children who have been made to endure the same life changing event he had faced as a child.  His 4^th season of charity work with the Islanders called “D partner of the game” sees Hamonic host a child who had lost one or both parents at a game that includes special behind the scenes autographs & meet and greets.

Per Pierre LeBrun, “Said one NHL team exec regarding Isles GM Garth Snow and a Hamonic deal: ‘He is not giving him away.'' Nor should he for a top-4. Stands to reason that Snow would want top return for a top blue-liner who's 25 and under contract through 2019-20.”

Garth Snow will certainly want a top piece to add to his blue line and may even add another player to the mix in compensation for Hamonic.  Sometimes however, it is difficult to get value in a trade for a player who has asked to be traded.  In Hamonic’s case, it isn’t reported to be an unhappiness with the organization, so Snow will have time to try and accommodate his wishes, but won’t do it without a deal he can be satisfied with.  But those kind of players with skill, term and value are few and far between, especially on defense.  A package may have to do.  I won’t speculate on the possibilities yet because I need to hear a little more on the situation.  I am sure rumors will be everywhere (e5).

It’s a tough pill to swallow for Isles fans everywhere, but I wish Travis Hamonic the best for his future.  He chose not to make it a distraction to start the season and was probably surprised the news broke today.  In any event, we will know more on the details of his story tomorrow.

Isles Notes:

The Islanders went 2-1 on their west coast road trip and got a nice 5-2 win against the Coyotes on Monday.  They are 4th in the east with 23 points at 10-6-3 and are 4-4-2 in their last 10 games.

Per Newsday, After 11 games @barclayscenter, the Islanders rank next-to-last in the NHL in attendance.

Josh Ho-Sang has a 10-game point streak & leads @OHLIceDogs in points. 

NHL Notes:

The All-Star game will be transformed into a 3 on 3 tournament played by divisional All-Star teams.