The Detroit Red Wings continue their search for reliable veteran depth to support their budding star-filled lineup. That search for depth led the club to make numerous moves this offseason.
Thus, an under-the-radar move was the signing of UFA Travis Hamonic. The 35-year-old Hamonic has played in 900 NHL games with four different organizations. His best season came in 2014-15 with the New York Islanders when he registered 33 points in 71 games.
Fast-forward a decade, and Hamonic’s best days are behind him. That situation could prompt the Detroit Red Wings to place the veteran blueliner on waivers at some point this season.
The former second-round pick from 2008 signed a two-year deal with the Ottawa Senators in 2023. However, injuries limited Hamonic to 48 and 59 games over the last two seasons. He eventually lost his lineup spot, given the plethora of young defensemen in Ottawa.
That’s the same fate that could befall Hamonic in Detroit. The Red Wings have a number of young rearguards. As such, playing time could be limited. If that’s the case, Hamonic’s $1 million cap hit could be too much for the club to keep on the NHL roster.
If Hamonic lands on waivers, there’s a chance another club needing blue line depth could pick him up. Of course, that’s dependent on injuries and the overall circumstances facing teams. Otherwise, Hamonic could find himself in the AHL.
Red Wings Don’t Really Have a Spot for Hamonic
According to Daily Faceoff, the Red Wings’ top-six blue line core does not include Hamonic. The same goes for another Wings blueliner, Justin Holl. As such, Hamonic and Holl could end up sharing the seventh and eighth defensemen slots. Considering that cap space is not a major issue at this point for the Red Wings, the club could afford to keep two very expensive veteran depth pieces on the NHL roster.
It’s worth pointing out that both Holl and Hamonic are sort of insurance policies in case of injuries. While expensive, they’re better alternatives to some of the younger defensemen in the Wings’ system.
For instance, Anton Johansson and William Wallinder are big-bodied defenders who could play a solid role someday. But that’s the operative word, “someday.” They’re not the type of players coach Todd McLellan could plug into the lineup if injuries strike.
Considering the Red Wings view themselves are playoff contenders, veteran depth will be a crucial element moving forward.
Detroit Made Low-Risk Move in Signing Hamonic
The Red Wings made a low-risk move in signing Travis Hamonic. The club signed him to a one-year deal. So, if things don’t work out well, it won’t really cost the Red Wings anything. They can shake hands and part ways without any hard feelings.
In the meantime, if the Red Wings pay Hamonic to spend most of the season in the press box, it will be a good thing. The plan isn’t for Hamonic to really play a whole lot. If he plays a significant role, it will be because injuries have hit hard or inconsistency has become a major factor.
As long as Hamonic doesn’t play much, it will be good news for the Red Wings.
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