Photo Credit: Jim McIsaac/ Newsday Sports
Travis Hamonic, Islanders’ defenseman, has put his all into his six years with the New York Islanders; he’s bonded with his team, he’s inspired his fans, and he’s put all of his skill into the game. Hamonic’s dedication and love for his team is the very reason many fans were surprised to learn that the Islanders were looking to trade the defenseman, at his own request.
It was revealed Wednesday that the Isles’ were interested in trading one of their best defenders, and though it had just been made public Hamonic had spoken to coach Jack Capuano about his request months ago. Hamonic requested this trade for personal reasons.
“I would have liked to have the chance to talk to them [his teammates] and not have them seen it online first, but it is what it is and those things can’t be changed,” Hamonic said via NHL.com. “It was difficult..but they were certainly very understanding of a personal situation, as I hope anyone would be in this situation.”
Hamonic cited a personal family issue as the reason as to why he has requested this trade. The defenseman has made, in the past, some of his personal situations regarding family public. He has been public about his father’s death, which happened when he was ten and what he attributes his dedication to hockey to, and has inspired many with his story.
Since 2012, Hamonic has met with at least one young Isles fan who has lost a parent at each home game to give a special ‘behind-the-scenes’ tour of the venue and to discuss his own experiences losing a parent. ESPN’s series E:60 also did an inspirational feature on Hamonic entitled “In The Name of the Father,” where Hamonic discussed his experiences and life.
“At the root of all this is a personal family matter of mine that I hold dear to my heart,” Hamonic said after Thursday’s morning practice. “Things about my family have been well documented in the past. In this situation, that’s as far as I’m going to go: It’s a personal family matter.”
Capuano praised Hamonic’s “professionalism in him and what a teammate that he’s been and what a first-class individual he’s been.” Despite his situation and request, he has still been putting his all into games, making him an incredibly important part of the Islanders’ defense. Islanders’ general manager Garth Snow has not commented on the issue.
The team, expecting to return to the Stanley Cup Playoffs, will be in need of a defenseman that could deliver what Hamonic can; Snow might not be willing to trade Hamonic for some prospects and/or draft picks. Hamonic understands that Snow is going to wait for the best opportunity, and what will be best for not only Hamonic but for the organization as well.
“‘I don’t want to handcuff the team by any means,” Hamonic said. “Garth [Snow] has a job to do, and I completely understand that and I respect this process. I think I respect Garth tremendously, not just as a general manager but as a person as well.”
Capuano said that once Snow finds the right deal the trade will happen, but only if the deal is right. “Travis has got a great contract as we know. He’s a top-pairing defenseman in this League. He means the world to me and this hockey club. I’ve been around him a long time,” Capuano said, via NHL.com. “If the right deal comes along, it comes along. For [the story] to break, it doesn’t put any added pressure on our general manager. If anything, it’ll probably make it tougher.”
This news took the fans and Hamonic’s teammates by surprise, but no one has been anything other than supportive of the choice he’s had to make.
“It’s a family in here. Travis has been here for a long time. We know he wants to be here, but it’s obviously for many reasons I think personally, there’s things he’s going through. It’s important for him obviously wanting to be closer to home,” teammate and Isles captain John Tavares said. “Nothing changes for us. He’s like a brother to many of us. I’ve been with him here a long time, and he’s a great guy.”
Hamonic has been grateful for the support he has received from his team, the organization, and the fans. As such an inspiring and influential player in the league he deserves the support that everyone is willing to give him during this time.
Until the trade happens, Hamonic is going to continue to put his all into his game on the ice and be there for his team.
“Those are guys you go to war with.” Hamonic said of his team. He isn’t going to let this affect his play in the meantime.
“I’m ready to play here and battle hard and go to war every night. It hasn’t been an issue for me so far this season,” said Hamonic. “I continue to try to work hard and win here. That’s our goal, and one thing I can guarantee and promise is it’s not going change how I play on the ice.”
Hamonic was a second-round pick by the Islanders in the 2008 NHL draft and has been a part of the organization ever since. He is currently one of the Isles’ top line defensemen and an important part of their power play unit. He has one goal, three assists, and leads the Isles with an average of 23:20 ice time per game.
A trade can be expected soon but none is not imminent, as the Isles are waiting for the best deal. A few Canadian teams would be in talks for the trade, in an effort to get Hamonic closer to home.
