New York Islanders Time to Trade Travis Hamonic

The New York Islanders enter this off-season with a number of area’s to address. First and foremost is the offense that needs to be more consistent, as well as greatly improve the power-play. Given these needs, it’s time to trade Travis Hamonic.

First off, for the record, yours truly is a big fan of Travis Hamonic. He is just 26-years of age, a top-four defenseman, who brings leadership to the Isles on and off the ice.

The 2008 second round pick (53rd overall) is signed for the next three years with a cap hit of $3.86 million. Under different circumstances, he should be part of the Islanders core for years to come. But there are reasons why he must be moved now.

2nd-Line Center

The Islanders need a proven offensive second line center, to give them two potent lines. In order to acquire such a player, they will have to give up a top-four blue liner.

Nick Leddy all-around is the Isles top defenseman and still hasn’t reached his ceiling. Johnny Boychuk has a no-move clause so you can count him out too.

That leaves Hamonic as the most likely candidate to be moved. Even though the Winnipeg native is coming off his worst season, he would still be very sought after.

Keep in mind while Hamonic would be the centerpiece of a potential deal for a second-line center, the Isles would have to also give up a couple of more desirable assets.

Expansion

New York Islanders

Another reason now is the time to move Hamonic is the predicament the blue and orange find themselves regarding expansion.

Because top blue line prospect Ryan Pulock is not exempt from expansion, the Isles would have to protect four defensemen. That list would be Leddy, Boychuk, Hamonic, and Pulock.

Also because of Andrew Ladd’s no-move clause, under that scenario, Garth Snow would either have to expose either Ryan Strome or Brock Nelson.

Losing a really good young player who has years of potential ahead of him cannot be an option for Garth.

If the Isles traded Hamonic while it would allow them to go to the seven forwards-three defenseman expansion route, it still would leave Calvin de Haan exposed. That is another situation that would have to be addressed.

Bottom line moves must be made.

Org Loaded with Young Blue Liners

The Islander organization is loaded with young blue liners. In addition to Pulock, the Isles have another top blue line prospect who could be both special and ready for the NHL very soon in Devon Toews.

Combine that along with Scott Mayfield, Adam Pelech, and prospects Parker Wotherspoon, Mitch Vande Sompel, and Doyle Somerby, New York is set for years to come on defense.

Next: 4 Games That Sunk the Isles

Hamonic will be missed if indeed he is traded. But due to the team needs, expansion, and the depth in the organization, it’s time.