The Detroit Red Wings surprised fans and analysts by signing veteran defenseman Travis Hamonic this past offseason. The deal was hardly an eye-opener. Hamonic signed a one-year, $1 million contract. That deal was in line with GM Steve Yzerman’s current philosophy of low-risk, low-reward deals for veteran players.
The hope was that Hamonic could provide insurance for the Red Wings’ mostly young blueliners. Players like Simon Edvinsson, Albert Johansson, Axel Sandin-Pellikka, and another offseason signing, Jacob Bernard-Docker, aren’t exactly sure bets on the blue line.
Hamonic potentially delivered veteran depth that Erik Gustafsson and Justin Holl just didn’t provide.
But now, Yzerman’s gamble has not paid off. Sure, it was a low-risk wager. But it stings nonetheless. Hamonic has played nine games this season, getting one assist and 14 penalty minutes. While Hamonic wasn’t signed to light up the scoreboard, the 14 penalty minutes are something tough to swallow.
Hamonic has averaged a little over 12 minutes of ice time 5v5
That’s a crucial point because he’s getting most of his special teams exposure on the penalty kill. And that’s where things compound further. Hamonic’s expected goals for are a paltry 42.0, with his relative expected goals for -8.8.
In other words, Hamonic is costing the Red Wings goals instead of helping the team produce them. If these numbers seem like an aberration, it’s worth pointing out they’re part of a trend that the Red Wings chose to ignore.
Two seasons ago, Hamonic had his worst relative goals for at -11.2 while playing with the Ottawa Senators. Furthermore, last season, Hamonic landed at -4.9 relative goals for.
Those numbers paint a picture of a veteran blueliner who’s never really lived up to his potential. He never really rebounded to the same production level since his best season in 2014-15 with the New York Islanders. That season, Hamonic notched five goals and 33 points. Since then, his highest point total has been 21 points, matched twice.
Fortunately for the Red Wings, Hamonic is on a one-year deal. Unfortunately for the 35-year-old, this could be his final NHL contract. Perhaps he might land a PTO next season. But it’s doubtful he’ll gain any serious consideration beyond that.
With the way things are going for Hamonic, it wouldn’t be a stretch to see the club send him to the defenseman graveyard that has become Grand Rapids.