[News] Hamonic opts out of Return to Play

[kyuss275]

Originally Posted by GranteedEV

Sounds like a win-win for the player and the team. Hamonic gets to keep his daughter safe and Calgary gets to ice its best defensemen for the first time all season.

The best defence lineup would have had Hamonic on bottom pairing.

[Poe969]

Originally Posted by Cali Panthers Fan

Stop with the low blows everyone.

I'm surprised ANY of these guys are deciding to return to play. There's a LOT of risk still even in these bubbles, so it shouldn't be considered such an automatic to play in these circumstances.

All the best to Sven. I wonder what his next move is for his career. He was relegated to the minors this year, and even though he has a year remaining on his contract, I wonder if he finds a better option playing in Europe next year.

Sorry I can't. I don't think I'm crossing any lines by saying I'm not surprised by sven not showing up. He's on a hated rival's team, I don't like how he acted when he was here or even how he's acted as a pro athlete. I wasn't rude or offensive, I didn't bring his personal life or beliefs into it. I made a comment about him not showing up in reference to his gameplay.

The situation we are all in sucks and we don't want anyone to be rude or cross any lines but let's not be too conservative either. It was a shot at a guys hockey skills, we should still be allowed to do that.

[GordonBlue]

Originally Posted by Poe969

Sorry I can't. I don't think I'm crossing any lines by saying I'm not surprised by sven not showing up. He's on a hated rival's team, I don't like how he acted when he was here or even how he's acted as a pro athlete. I wasn't rude or offensive, I didn't bring his personal life or beliefs into it. I made a comment about him not showing up in reference to his gameplay.

The situation we are all in sucks and we don't want anyone to be rude or cross any lines but let's not be too conservative either. It was a shot at a guys hockey skills, we should still be allowed to do that.

Except it clearly came across as a shot at his character and nothing to do with his skills on the ice. Cali caught that.

[N-E-B]

Can’t be upset about this. He has a young kid at home and has already had a health scare with her. Smart decision by Hamonic. Hope him and his family stay safe.

[howard_the_duck]

Noticing all the goodbye messages to Hamonic. Wouldn’t surprise me in the least if the Flames make every effort to bring him back. Wouldn’t be my choice, but Tre’s character-first mantra makes me think this may not be the last we see of him.

[Crown Royal]

Originally Posted by tvp2003

I’m speculating but Sven was dispatched to the minors and probably didn’t like it. Was shopped by Benning for weeks with no takers because of his contract. He probably wants nothing to do with the Canucks at this point, let alone going to Edmonton to sit in the press box.

Not sure if there are other “disgruntled” players in the same boat but Sven opting out doesn’t surprise me: https://theprovince.com/sports/hocke...sven-baertschi

I didn't want to speculate even though I am aware of the situation, which was why I chose to go with calling him a fringe player.

[Geeoff]

Originally Posted by Poe969

Sorry I can't. I don't think I'm crossing any lines by saying I'm not surprised by sven not showing up. He's on a hated rival's team, I don't like how he acted when he was here or even how he's acted as a pro athlete. I wasn't rude or offensive, I didn't bring his personal life or beliefs into it. I made a comment about him not showing up in reference to his gameplay.

The situation we are all in sucks and we don't want anyone to be rude or cross any lines but let's not be too conservative either. It was a shot at a guys hockey skills, we should still be allowed to do that.

I have to admit that my initial reaction was to make a negative post about Sven as well but I resisted the urge because I think this thread should have an overall positive vibe.


And also, it feels a bit like kicking a guy when he's down, since he's ALMOST good enough to be a top 6 forward in the NHL but he isn't and he's likely done in the league


Besides, who would want to go to Edmonton... To play for the Canucks? Gross

[Enoch Root]

I think that for a lot of people - especially younger people - COVID isn't that big of a threat. It is an understandable viewpoint, as the expectation is that it is a bad flu-like week and then you move on. They have seen others get it and recover.

But for anyone with respiratory issues, or other complications that can create co-morbidities, COVID is a very frightening, and very dangerous prospect. I understand this viewpoint personally, so I understand the very real and very deep fears and concerns some people have.

But knowing that your young son or daughter has had respiratory issues? If that were my situation, I would be wrapping my entire home in cellophane and not letting anyone anywhere NEAR my family.

Not only do I respect Hamonic's position, but I admire it. And I tip my cap to him for his courage to take that stance, despite knowing that there will be some who will judge him for it.

[Enoch Root]

I expected some 'we're better off' type comments, but anyone who think's that losing Hamonic for the playoffs isn't a blow to the lineup, just doesn't get it, IMO. You simply can't have enough defensemen in the playoffs, and Hamonic is a warrior who fights for his team-mates every shift. He's the kind of player that team-mates LOVE.

Did he have an off year? Yes. But he also had injuries and personal family issues. So let's cut him some slack there.

Heading into the playoffs, this is a huge blow to the lineup, there are no two ways about it. Boggles my mind that anyone would think differently.

[MoneyGuy]

i imagine a player who opts out still gets his name on the cup if his team wins and he plays the required 41 games but none in the playoffs.

[Fire of the Phoenix]

Best of luck Hammer. I didn't like the trade but you were a class act and I wish you well. Take care of that family.

[Sainters7]

Originally Posted by dammage79

He was the first, definitely won't be the last. Fare thee well Travis Hamonic, best of luck in your next endeavor.

Also, just to be clear, major respect for opting out..

Yeah I'm fine with this decision, I still think forcing the playoffs back (or whatever this is) is silly, not really on board with this whole thing. I don't blame Hamonic at all. I'm curious who else will opt out, there were some fairly big names in NBA and MLB to do so. I'm actually a little surprised everyone else arrived.

[Barnet Flame]

I think it is a brave decision from Travis. I've always liked him, he has done a lot for others off the ice and now it is time for him to put his family first.

I completely respect that and wish him and his family good health and happiness whatever comes next for him.

[GullFoss]

I have no opinion on Hamonic's decision. But the skeptical side of me thinks he may have done this in part to avoid injury. A good playoffs isn't going to markedly increase his UFA value, but another bad playoffs or an injury will definitely decrease it

For this reason, I'd be focused on watching what quality pending UFAs decide. Obviously fringe players on UFA contracts want a solid playoffs to push up their value. But established UFAs will seriously contemplate finding a reason to sit this playoffs out.

If Hamonic is separated from his family through the playoffs, how exactly does it put his family at risk?

[DeluxeMoustache]

Much respect to Hamonic for making the decision that he and his family feel is right for them. Nothing wrong with that at all.

[Press Level]

Originally Posted by Yoho

https://twitter.com/user/status/1281898696615948291

Don't blame him. Why come all the way back to Vancouver, potentially risk his health, just to watch Vancouver get eliminated in the play-in round from the press box? He can do the exact same thing from home.

[Yrebmi]

Originally Posted by MoneyGuy

i imagine a player who opts out still gets his name on the cup if his team wins and he plays the required 41 games but none in the playoffs.

Actually probably only 35 games (pro-rated 70/82)

Do play in games count as regular season games?


Either way Hammer would and should be included.

[CalgaryFan1988]

Hamonic just doesn't want to help his old team to beat out his future team.

Kidding obviously. Putting kids first is what any dad should do, good on him.

He will be missed though, assuming he would have been used in the right slot and healthy. A healthy Hamonic is a beast.

[Vinny01]

I can see why some people are opposed to this. Many people had to work during this situation and did not have the ability to say no. Having said that if someone had the means and they also were faced with a personal situation of living with a high risk person they certainly would take care of their families.

Hamonic is doing what he can to protect his family. He also needs to sign a new deal this offseason and will certainly be healthy and ready to go to ensure he gets another payday. I have no doubt this was a tough choice for him but he seems to be absolutely a family first guy and has made a choice that he feels is best for he and his family.

All the best Hammer it definitely didn’t work out the way the tea hoped when they acquired you but that is not his fault and he gave it his all here for 3 years. Hope he enjoys playing for the Jets next year

[direwolf]

I respect any player who chooses to opt out. This is still a risky venture any way you look at it, and it wouldn't shock me at all if this whole thing gets derailed or outright cancelled at some point. I'm just going to enjoy it while it lasts.