Travis Hamonic will remain an Islander.
The 25-year-old defenseman informed general manager Garth Snow today that Hamonic no longer wishes to be traded closer to his Winnipeg home, a request he made before the start of training camp after getting some dire news on the health of a family member.
“When Garth and I spoke last summer, the whole reason why this came about was some serious health concerns for a member of my family back home,” Hamonic said. “It was a tough, trying year but I had the support of the whole organization and my teammates the whole year and I couldn’t be more thankful for that.
VoteIsles keep 'em or dump 'em?Photos5 questions facing the Islanders this offseason
“In the last little while, we’ve learned the situation has stabilized itself. Just relieved for that, thankful for that, pretty grateful. I love being an Islander, it’s my home here, my family loves it, I love my teammates, this organization. Being an Islander is one of the best things I do with my life.”
Hamonic put aside the distraction of not only asking for a trade but that request going public in November to have one of his best seasons, posting 21 points and helping the Islanders to a second straight 100-point season as well as winning their first playoff series since 1993.
Snow made numerous attempts to find a trade fit, exploring deals with teams in cities close to Winnipeg as well as with the Jets, but could not give up on one of his top defensemen with one of the most team-friendly contracts in the league — Hamonic has four years left at an average annual value of $3.86 million.
Hamonic did not elaborate on when the good news came from Manitoba regarding his family but was happy to talk again with Snow today.
“It was a nice conversation we had,” Hamonic said. “I love it here, I honestly do. I wouldn’t have signed my seven-year deal if I didn’t love it here. I love everything about being an Islander, so I couldn’t be more ecstatic. To know things back home have stabilized is the main thing.”
..... - Newsday