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?
- avoid injury? The guy is hurt all the time because he puts his body on the line for his team, but now he wants to avoid injuries? Doesn't make sense.
- a good playoffs wouldn't help him as a UFA?
- even if there's a small chance he contracts Covid and passes it along, there's still that chance. When you have a daughter who's recently had health issues, why take that risk? For our entertainment?
There are bigger things in life. Family is one of them. Travis is making 100% the correct call and I'm stunned anyone thinks it's a poor choice, or is negative about it or questions it as him having some ulterior motive. It's a no-brainer for him and his family. Glad he has the spine to do it, and give the fans a very reasonable explanation why. The guy is a total class act.
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- avoid injury? The guy is hurt all the time because he puts his body on the line for his team, but now he wants to avoid injuries? Doesn't make sense.
- a good playoffs wouldn't help him as a UFA?
- even if there's a small chance he contracts Covid and passes it along, there's still that chance. When you have a daughter who's recently had health issues, why take that risk? For our entertainment?
There are bigger things in life. Family is one of them. Travis is making 100% the correct call and I'm stunned anyone thinks it's a poor choice, or is negative about it or questions it as him having some ulterior motive. It's a no-brainer for him and his family. Glad he has the spine to do it, and give the fans a very reasonable explanation why. The guy is a total class act.
This. There are lots of reasons For various players to not come back but noting in Hamonic’s past says he would opt out for anything less than family reasons. Hell, he plays hard effective PO hockey and it’s worth an extra million bucks as a UFA.
That'd be such a tough call to make for Hamonic. Seems like he's thought it through though, so all the best to him and his family.
Fortunately for the Flames, they might have the deepest D core in the league right now, so they can absorb the hit without too much a drop off. Forbort and Gustafsson played well as a third pairing and they both play a role on special teams that will help spread out ice time with a compressed schedule.
The best defence lineup would have had Hamonic on bottom pairing.
Strongly disagree. I respect Hamonic for his decision but this is a blessing for the Flames. His positioning has not been great for two years now and he is not nearly as engaged physically as he used to be. He still is a good shot blocker but sometimes he is guilty of trying to block far out shots when he should be letting his goalie see them and those ended up in the back of our net a lot! I feel Ward would have felt obligated to play Hammer in our starting lineup over a guy like Gusty or even Kylington, both whom I would much rather have out there.
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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.
I agree with you. For a long time I have been in the cancel the season camp and I still view it as a risky proposition even with all the precautions that are being taken. I won't hold a negative opinion against any player who decides not to play for any reason be it health and safety or just because they don't feel like it. We're all out of our element to some degree with this pandemic and if someone just doesn't feel it is worth it for them to lace up their skates at this point so be it.
I respect Hamonic’s decision and support it. Family does come first, and we shouldn’t hold it against any player who opts out for their own or their family’s health reasons. The finishing off of this season is a bonus for us, fans.
Back to Hamonic, yes, Treliving did overpay in hindsight, but that is not on Hamonic. He has been a good foot soldier and has always put in excellent effort every game he has been part off. He has sacrificed his body at every turn for the team, and the Hanifin-Hamonic pairing last year was pretty good for the flames, as well. If this is the last we see of him in the Flaming C, wish him all the best in his future
I hate reading stuff like this from fans. It kind of comes across as “poor me” and also gives the impression like NHL players are lucky to have millions. Well they are lucky but it's not like it was given to them. They are the best of the best because they were born freakishly good at hockey plus had the work ethic to practice and perfect their talent throughout their lives.
Plus I feel Harmonic has crap luck. Even on the ice he is always getting hurt let alone his personal life.
No reason to shame someone for choosing family over sport.
There was absolutely nothing in his post that came across as “poor me”.
His cap hit doesn't make it a fleece, but they clearly won.
How? 1 of those players has played 30 something games 2 years later and the other 2 will probably never play (see we can all project greatness or crappiness). Dobson COULD turn out great, or he could turn out to be as good as Hamonic.
Good for Hamonic and his family. No doubt this was a painful, while at the same time easy, decision to make.
Hopefully him opting out first and quickly makes the decision a bit easier for those on the fence but are feeling guilty. Being first takes a lot of courage.
__________________ "I think the eye test is still good, but analytics can sure give you confirmation: what you see...is that what you really believe?" Scotty Bowman, 0 NHL games played
I would do the exact same thing in his situation and I hope the best for his family and future endeavors as his Flames career comes to an end. I actually think this doesn't really hurt the Flames that much outside of thinning depth as they can now see what things shape up for next season without him and the team played better with him out of the lineup when he was injured.
Travis Hamonic is a class act who has his head screwed on straight. This is a guy the Flames will miss, on and off the ice. Godspeed Travis. I hope you find success and happiness where ever you end up next. I hope it is with the Calgary Flames, but if you move on I will still be cheering for your success at every opportunity, except for those against the Flames. I respect your decision and wish you nothing but the best.
I'm not a Ben Sveartchi fan at all, but I think anyone questioning his character over his decision should step back. We don't know his situation, nor is it any of our business.
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"A pessimist thinks things can't get any worse. An optimist knows they can."
Roman Polak opted out also. So a few more but not anyone that I think is a top player yet.
And on a side note Stamkos is hurt already. Don't know why people keep putting him on all sorts of Olympic and World Cup teams, never performs if he makes it to the tourney even when he isn't hurt.
