Whenever a top-tier NHL defenseman is on the trade market it is always news. When the player in question is young and in his prime it creates a frenzy. Reports surfaced today from Elliotte Friedman that Travis Hamonic is asking the New York Islanders for a trade.
As per @FriedgeHNIC Travis Hamonic has asked the @NYIslanders for a trade
— SiriusXM NHL Network Radio (@SiriusXMNHL) November 18, 2015
This is a surprising development coming out of New York. Hamonic was drafted 53rd overall at the 2008 NHL Entry Draft and has been a top defender for the New York Islanders. He was a player that General Manager Garth Snow was building around, but obviously plans have changed. This demand was not selfish and is not new. Darren Dreger has reported this is a family issue for Hamonic who wants to be closer to home. Hamonic first made the request before the season started, and it appears to be at a breaking point now.
Hamonic loves the Isles. This is personal. Wpg, Edmtn, Cgy and Van all preferred. Might expand to other west cities. Tough on Isles….
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) November 18, 2015
The St. Malo, Manitoba native wants to be moved closer to home. Winnipeg is the closest destination obviously, St. Malo being just about 30 minutes outside of the Manitoba capital. The other Western Canadian teams are also included on Hamonic’s list. Getting closer to home is the goal for the 25-year-old.
Snow has commented on this news indicating that he is looking for an equal value in return if he were to trade Hamonic. It seems a forgone conclusion that Hamonic will be moved, and with the circumstances surrounding the situation, it probably won’t take long. Few players in the league are like Hamonic, and his list of teams is very small. The pressure will be on Snow to get the best deal he can.