Report: Islanders' Hamonic 'in play' on trade market
The New York Islanders could be parting ways with one of their top young defensemen.
Travis Hamonic is "in play" on the trade market, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reports.
Friedman says the Islanders are trying to maneuver a difficult situation.
"The problem with them trading Travis Hamonic, is they want ... Travis Hamonic," one exec told Friedman.
Hamonic, who was drafted by the Islanders in 2008, has four years remaining on a contract with a $3.857-million cap hit per season. He's currently playing on the team's No. 1 pairing alongside Nick Leddy, with three assists and a plus-5 rating in 19 games this season.
"This was a possibility before games began this season," one source told Friedman.
TSN's Darren Dreger confirmed the report, adding that Hamonic "has family concerns in West Canada."
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 25-year-old is well known for his work off the ice, which Friedman says makes it more difficult for the Islanders to part with him.
Sources suggest general manager Garth Snow is not interested in acquiring picks or prospects in a potential deal, Friedman adds, and is looking for "equal-level replacement" in a trade.
Arthur Staple of Newsday reports that Hamonic declined comment Wednesday, but will address the situation with his teammates and then the media on Thursday.