NHL Rumors: Islanders trade Travis Hamonic to Flames

Travis Hamonic is on the move, as the New York Islanders defenseman has been traded to the Calgary Flames. 

The New York Islanders are looking to load up their roster with skill, as they make a push to win the Stanley Cup. Not only that, they’re trying to ensure captain John Tavares won’t have any thoughts about leaving the team. Though he’s been adamant he wants to stay, it certainly doesn’t hurt to try to ensure he won’t change his mind. Talent, though, is costly. According to Elliotte Friedman, the Islanders have traded defenseman Travis Hamonic to the Calgary Flames. No word yet on the return.

Calgary needed to add a defenseman. They already have Mark Giordano, T.J. Brodie and Dougie Hamilton. However, the Flames needed a right-handed defenseman to pair with Brodie. Michael Stone, a trade deadline acquisition, didn’t work out. Hamonic should be an excellent fit next to him, with a very well-rounded game and skill set.

Meanwhile, the Islanders could afford to lose a defenseman, but they’re probably losing their best one. New York had to make a choice between Calvin de Haan and Hamonic, and it appears they’re going with the former. In exchange, the Islanders will get a first round pick and two second round picks. That’s a good return and means New York will also get some extra cap space.

The Flames get the defenseman they really needed. And Hamonic gets to head to Western Canada, closer to his home. Reportedly, the defenseman requested a trade back in 2015 to be closer to home. Calgary is certainly closer to his home than New York.

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The Flames gave up a few nice picks, but there’s no doubt they’re getting back a talented defenseman. This looks like a solid trade all round.