- Arthur Staple of Newsday: Travis Hamonic talked to teammates before yesterday’s practice about his trade request, and then briefly spoke with the media.
“I would have liked to have had the chance to talk to them and not have them see it online first, but it is what it is and those things can’t be changed, unfortunately, but it was difficult,” Hamonic said. “They are very understanding of my personal situation, as I would hope anyone would be in this situation. Those are guys you go to war with. Some of those guys I’ve been playing with for six years and know really well.
” always talks about a brotherhood in there and everything else, but it certainly is. Just explaining what was going on was one of the more difficult conversations I think I’ve had in my life. It certainly wasn’t easy, but they’ve been there for me for many years now, different situations in my life and my career. They’ve certainly been there this far.”
- Luke Fox of Sportnet: Fox looks at six teams that could be destinations for Hamonic.
Jets – Unless Dustin Byfuglien has made it clear to Jets management that he’s not re-signing, the Jets could consider Tyler Myers.Flames – they have Dennis Wideman and Kris Russell available. A prospect or pick may have to be included with Russell.
Oilers – Fox wonders about a Mark Fayne with a pick or prospect. Maybe the Islanders could consider a bigger trade and a package that involves Nail Yakupov, Leon Draisaitl or Jordan Eberle.
Canucks – maybe the Islanders could be interested in Dan Hamhuis or Alex Edler (has a no-trade clause).
Wild – Jared Spurgeon will be looking for a raise this summer from his current $2.66 million. He was originally drafted by the Islanders in 2008.
Avalanche – The 24-year old pending RFA Tyson Barrie could be a comparable if the Avs don’t think Barrie would be in Colorado long-term.
- TSN Insider Trading: Darren Dreger names five teams who are believed to be in on Hamonic – Jets, Oilers, Flames, Wild and Avalanche.
Islanders GM Garth Snow gave Hamonic’s agent permission to speak with other GMs.
Dreger says that it sounds like the Islanders would be okay with someone like Jacob Trouba or Tyler Myers. Jets GM Kevein Cheveldayoff may not be interested in giving up either.
Pierre LeBrun says that the Oilers GM Peter Chiarelli has liked Hamonic for a while. If the Islanders want Darnell Nurse, the Oilers may not be interested.
- Pierre LeBrun on ESPN: Brings up the question, do the Jets consider dangling pending UFA Dustin Byfuglien? The Jets would rather sign Byfuglien to an extension, but they may not be able too. Would Byfuglien even be enough for Garth Snow knowing that Byfuglien could leave at the end of the season? The Oilers are obviously interested in Hamonic, but at what cost?
- Jimmy Murphy: Told by a source that if the Flames are interested in Travis Hamonic, it would take Dougie Hamilton or T.J. Brodie. The former is a definite no.
- Jimmy Murphy: Islanders GM Garth Snow may be a bit hamstrung since teams know that Hamonic has requested a trade, but Snow will do what he can to get an equivalent defenseman back.
- Ed Tait: There is pressure on GM Garth Snow to a make trade, but there may also be some on GM Kevin Cheveldayoff, as there is some desire for Hamonic to play in Winnipeg.