Hamonic hopes to re-sign with Senators: 'I have really found a home here'

Travis Hamonic is intent on settling down in Canada's capital.

The Ottawa Senators defenseman is hoping to re-sign with the club this offseason after his contract expires.

"I love it here. And I want to say that from the bottom of my heart," Hamonic told The Athletic's Ian Mendes. "My wife and kids are so happy here. They are really settled here. And the community has really welcomed us. On a personal level, this is a no-brainer. And with the hockey team, this is headed in the right direction. This organization is on the upswing."

Hamonic has bounced around in the latter half of his career. After seven seasons with the New York Islanders, he spent three years with the Calgary Flames and parts of two campaigns with the Vancouver Canucks before being dealt to the Senators last season.

He said the move to Ottawa has been better than he could have hoped.

"It just seems like everything has aligned for me to be here. I have really found a home here," Hamonic said. "It was a real blessing in disguise when I got traded here. I didn't know what to expect, but this has been one of the best things that's ever happened to me in my career."

Hamonic said his agent and Senators general manager Pierre Dorion have already had preliminary discussions on a new contract, although negotiations have yet to become serious.

"They've spoken, but there are other fish to fry, too," Hamonic said. "When the time comes, I'm sure we will get something figured out."

Ottawa has multiple pending restricted free agents including Alex DeBrincat, Shane Pinto, and Erik Brannstrom. Hamonic and goaltender Cam Talbot are the team's most notable pending UFAs.

Hamonic, 32, has served as a steadying veteran presence on a youthful Senators blue line. He's tallied 21 points, 109 hits, and a team-leading 143 blocked shots in 74 games this season while averaging 18:47 of ice time per contest. His current contract carries a $3-million cap hit.