HAMONIC AGENT: EXPECT A DEAL IMMINENTLY
UPDATED THURSDAY at 1:00 pm: The deal is done
May 27, 1:00 pm: The deal is done.
May 25, 5:45 pm: The agent for Islanders prospect Travis Hamonic tells Point Blank that a deal between the team and his client will be finalized this week.
“For all intents and purposes, we’re there,” said agent Craig Oster of a three-year, Entry Level contract with Garth Snow for the impressive defense prospect. “We completed some of the work before the Memorial Cup and then took a break. We didn’t want there to be any distractions for Travis. Now we’re back at it and you should hear something in the next few days.”
The Islanders have until the end of May to sign Hamonic, whom they selected with their third pick in the second round of the 2008 draft.
Although some signs have pointed to the Islanders throwing Hamonic directly into the NHL in 2010-11, Oster was wisely more cautious.
“He’s a great kid and a great prospect who you can be confident will get the most out of his talent. He cares so much and has that drive to succeed,” said Oster. “I just don’t know if he’s a guy anyone expects to play right away. Travis will be the first to admit he still has a lot to learn.”
Comments on Hamonic.
75 Responses to HAMONIC AGENT: EXPECT A DEAL IMMINENTLY
UPDATED THURSDAY at 1:00 pm: The deal is done
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Isles 420 says:
so much young talent. gonna be great to watch them grow and develop.
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Frank nyc says:
As long as he is signed, thats all that matters. This kid is very talented and I have no doubt he will be on the Islanders eventually.
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Michael Pastore says:
Why bother putting him in Bridgeport. Let him take his lumps at the NHL level. I’d rather see him making mistakes but learning from them then another year of Gervais, Meyer, Witt, Martinek. Bring up DeHaan also.
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CMB says:
Travis has all the makings of a top-pair shutdown defenseman. There is no need to rush him into the NHL next year, but he’ll be a key component of the team’s nucleus by the time the Islanders become Cup contenders.
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Irish Isle says:
Git’R Done
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onesinceforty says:
Hopefully he will have shaved that awful playoff stache/beard by now.
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19 Isle in NJ 22 says:
Hope he gets signed soon … need some good news to read.
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JJ says:
Definitely should spend a year in the Bridge. If he plays extremely well, then perhaps he gets an opportunity when Radek Martinek gets injured.
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big dally mac says:
If we were smart over-ripen him in the AHL…de Haan back to jr…and him to the the A the next year….that’s how Detriot does it….but who are they?
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Staten Islander says:
Sign him and let him spend a year with Capuano in Bridgeport
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joe says:
CB- is he they type of d-man that would be compared to maybe luke schenn?
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orngfan says:
did anyone else see hamonic absolutely devastate taylor hall last week? he leveled him.
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SCLI says:
I believe Calvin DeHann will make the club this year but not Hamonic. He’ll get his feet wet with the Isles at various times during the season. Maybe a few games in the early season but especially at the end. No rush. Dont be surprised when we sign a free agent “D” man this summer along with drafting a “D” man with our #5 pick who will step right into the lineup.
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brian in AZ says:
#13 I feel like it was less a huge hit and more of a bump that caused Hall to fall awkwardly and dangerously into the boards. I’m not saying it was dirty or anything its just something that happens in hockey sometimes when people are hit in that area 5-7 feet away from the boards. When I first heard people talking about it I was hoping it was a huge open ice hit he put on Hall
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IslesHostage says:
STAY IN THE MINORS!
I just want to see a non-rushed, promising young prospect make it big in the NHL without him being forced to learn from Chef Gervaise. Martinek, Streit and Co. will do fine in the meantime. (Martinek is hurt but he’s as sound defensively at 98% of the NHL blueliners when healthy, #4)
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Steve says:
Travis should stay in the minors for at least a year.
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Brian says:
I think he should have to earn a spot on the team in training camp, not be handed one. If he plays like he belongs keep him up if not let him spend time in Bridgeport.
It’s not like Bruno or Meyer (if resigned) should be holding a guy that’s ready down.
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mark p says:
DeHaan could use more time in JR. Travis up the first time Martinek get hurt. China trip cancelled to give Hamonic first round money.
The real question is if Isles draft Guber or Fowler do they feel pressure to keep them in the NHL? -
"Never easy being an Isles fan" says:
Osters comments sound really good…
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Mark in Ottawa says:
God bless em’ both and us.
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The New Isles GM says:
I love the fact our prospects are starting to come together. It’s a very exciting time in the country. I still feel however, for proper development and long term success, Hamonic, Dehann and our 5th round pick should get atleast one year in the minors. It can’t hurt them. They will get decent minutes, and have another year to get stronger. We can always sign a defenseman and cut Gervais like the Rangers need to do with Redden. Here’s to the ’08 draft. Cheers.
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rb says:
The best thing about that recent hit he put on Taylor Hall into the end boards was when he got back to the bench, looked up at the jumbotron replay, and a smile crossed his face. You gotta like that!
When was the last time we had a defenseman capable of coming across and laying somebody out? Maybe Pilon? Definitely Number 5.
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Upgrade says:
Harmonic is not ready for the speed & size of the NHL just yet. He may need 1 to 2 years in the AHL to be the best he can be. Rushing a Dman in is like putting an 18year old between the pipes.. Not a smart thing
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Eric says:
De Haan is going to be solid and the Islanders know that as well. That is why they traded up twice to get him. They see his potential and in the one pre season game in which I saw him, he stood out more than any other Islander. With that said he needs another 1-2 years in jrs/minors to get his game together after an injury and to bulk up. Hamonic: I let him start the year in bridgeport and maybe bring him during the course of the season. He seems more ready right now than De haan. Also older.
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Jim M says:
If Hamonic proves that he belongs with the club in training camp why would they bother to keep in the AHL for a year. I do not see the point in people saying “dont rush him” or “he needs to develop more”. If the kid shows hes ready, hes ready. And, he already has the physical build to compete in the NHL so lets just wait to see how it all plays out. Tyler Myers just completed a season being 19-20 years old, lived by himself in downtown Buffalo and is up for the Calder. How’s that for being NHL ready.
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What is taking so long? May does not have that many more days in it, just dot the i’s already!
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Lee says:
I agree with #9. Keep him in the Bridge until Radek gets injured 15 games into the season and give him a chance then
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Spartiarti RVC says:
Not many dman ready for nhl right away. Start him in bridgeport. If he dominates he gets moved up. Plain and simple. Isles need to sign a ufa dman with size.
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Bryan says:
He gets 9 games to start the yeAr before his contract kicks in right? I say throw him to the wolves then send him to the tigers to show him what it takes to play in the NHL. De haan can’t be in the NHL next year. just saw a recent pic of him, he needs some muscle first. We don’t need to get him killed. I still don’t understand the logic of not letting the jr kids play in the ahl.
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Mike L says:
Hopefully Snow can sign some FA talent on defense so Hamonic can take his time and develop in Bridgeport.
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Hamonic could make team as #6….but I think everyone on our roster but Streit is at best a #6!
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Examiner says:
All that matters is that he signs. For any of us to offer our opinions if he should be in the Bridge or the NHL is not right. That is what management and coaches get paid for.
Regardless, can’t wait for him to be a huge part of this rebuild and bringing this team to the next level.
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27Tonelli says:
Totally agree with #4 ! Sick and tired of Martinek (Mr.Glass), 5 foot Nothing Meyer and No Talent Gervais ! Bring up the Kids!
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2Bit says:
5 foot nothing Meyer? Are you kidding me? Did you see him play this season? He certainly plays bigger than he is.
As for Hamonic, can’t wait to hear the news when he signs!! If he can hang in the NHL next year then great, but I’m not going to argue if they give him another year to develop in the Bridge.
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Jim Clark says: If he needs seasoning in the minors, then let him bake in Bridgeport. Do it right, Islanders. I’ll put up with another year of Bruno Gervais if that what it takes to do it right.
Anyone notice how Florida and Tampa did not make their back up goalies their general managers?
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IslesUlster1992 says:
In the AHL you have to be a certain age to play. That’s the logic.
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(Sim)ple says:
5 foot nothing Meyer??? The man played the body better than most 6 foot defenders. I’d like Hamonic to be ready to play in the NHL, so whenever management deems that to be the case I am fine with it.
In the meantime, Streit, Hillen, MacDonald will have to be the anchors. Wouldn’t mind seeing Garth re-sign Dylan Reese. The kid showed some nice glimpses and is more reliable than Gervais and the oft-injured Martinek.
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John from ATL says:
Hamonic should not be rushed. A year in Bridgeport would be the best. Plus has noted by several remarks above, Martinek will get hurt so, they could call him up then, if he’s ready.
de Haan needs another year in Juniors, he didn’t play much this past year and needs to puts some muscle on.
2010-11: D- Streit; Hillen, MacDonald; Martinek -(2 UFA) and Gervais as the #7 health scratch.
Bridgeport- D-Reese; Kohn, Katic; Flood; Wotton; Klementyev; Witt; Hamonic -
Healy says:
Don’t bag on Meyer! The guy has a been a professional getting waived, coming back, scratched, and when he gets his chances he still plays like he gives a damn. He’s small but plays much bigger *most* of the time.
Without taking into account what the Islanders’ draft pick will be this year, My ideal defense corps for next year:
Streit-UFA defenseman (w/ size)
Hillen-Martinek/UFA defenseman
MacDonald-Meyer
7th: Meyer/Gervais/Call-upHamonic & de Haan in the minors getting more seasoning.
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Quez says:
No need to rush Travis. Get a free agent D-man or 2 (w/size), as to not rush deHaan & Hamonic. Volchenkov is a long shot, so if he’s gone, I’d go after, in this order…Willie Mitchell,Zyb Michalek,Dan Hamhuis,Toni Lydman,Denis Seidenberg,Milan Jurcina. We need to sign @ least one of these D-man. Keep Dylan Reese for depth. As for the draft-More offense!
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Frank Baxter says:
De Haan had shoulder surgery and is out for 6 months. I don’t think he will be ready to make the team. I know a lot of you are counting on him making the team this year. I would imagine he starts in Bridgeport at the very least.
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Mario says:
Why is no one considering Meyer?? He played just as well as anyone else and Bruno can fill in whenever someone is out. I want Freddy on the team.
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Chris R says:
De Haan is going to play 1 more year in Juniors. I’m hoping that Cam Fowler or Gudbranson will fall to us at the draft. I’m praying that Tallon picks Connolly for the panthers.
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isle5 says:
GIT R’ DONE!!!!!!!!!
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JtorBust says:
Please let Bruno be cooking somewhere during games , guy is as soft as they come . take freddy over him anyday.
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BTBoss says:
Thanks Handlanger- Hey CB maybe you can clear it up a bit. I know 19 yrs old CHL players being sent down to the AHL after the 10 game in the NHL but there must be a cut off date if De Haan is going to be young still. Hamonic will be 20 by the start of the season so he has no problem with it. Maybe you can help with this AHL/CHL rule. Thanks
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CT Isles Fan says:
Freddy over Bruno? Freddy gets hurt a lot, but so does bruno. If they are at equal health… I would take Freddy.
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The Islanders are not going anywhere next season with a defense filled with MEYER, GERVAIS, MARTINEK OR WITT. Not one of those Defensemen should be on the NHL Club next year. If we go into the season with any of them in the mix we will not make the playoffs. With no experience DeHaan and Harmonic will play better than any of those 4. With Streight, Hillen, MacDonald, Harmonic, and DeHaan & 1 Fee Agent Stay at Home Defensemen. That is a Defense I am willing to go to war with next season!!!!!
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admin says:
The deal is done.
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Metalcoconut says:
The deal is done! That is GREAT news. Thanks for breaking it to us CB.
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Eric Cup says:
Not that there was any doubt, but this is GREAT news for the “Country”. Garth is obviously working hard to put together the best team he can for a long time.
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Mike S. says:
Excellent news! Thanks CB!
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Great news! Hope he becomes that nice piece everyone thinks he can be.
Also hope things have been going well at the Scouting combine for Jankowski and crew.
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Vas says:
Step 1 is done! Next Step DRAFT!
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Russel Ginart says:
Excellent!!!!Excellent!!! in my best Igor voice!
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Tim F. says:
Good news. Now I hope they do the right thing and let him start out in Brideport.
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Hishutzi Skorz says:
I guess I’ll play “Happy Days are Here Again” on my “Hamonica!”
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Excellent News.
Hopefully they dont rush him next year.
Now we just need to get Petrov’s name on contract.
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sean says:
I just want somebody to replace overrated Bruno.
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CB,
If the ultimate upside for Travis is Shea Weber, would you say that over the last 2 months he is a little closer to that potential level or now that we have seen a lot more of him would you say there is someone else out there to compare his future potential.Where are the Hamonic’s and Martin’s of the past decade? Shows you that they were not only missing their 1st rounders… Thanks Mike Milbury.
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Vlad from Brooklyn says:
To Travis – Welcome!
To Sean (#60) – Right on! -
john says:
With Travis and Calvin in the fold and hopefully 1 or 2 UFA Dmen on the horizon, that #5 pick could get very interesting. With each day, I believe that Gormley will not be selected with that pick and with 6 of the draft’s top 95 pick, hopefully we find more blue chippers up front and on the blue line. No more netminders.
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Great to see. Im so happy they locked him and Poulin up, they are both great kids and I cant wait to see what they do in their careers!
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mtrico says:
Welcome aboard Travis!
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Ed in Westchester says:
Nice! Good news.
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beatlebailey says:
excellent – one season at the bridge and then bring him and CDH up to play with Streit, Amac, Hillen and the GUDBRAN beast and you have a nice top 6
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This news made my day!!!
A former die hard … now casual Islander fan asked me yesterday … Why are you still so crazy about the Islanders … I told him … Simple … They are like family to me … No matter how much they piss me off sometimes … I love ‘em… and I wish nothing but great success for the people like Garth Snow who took on a monumental task of rebuilding this club with all the other outside distractions playing a role.
I love Stevie Y … he is my fave alltime player that wasn’t an Islander … I wish him luck … but lets face it … We can’t measure Stevie Y against Garth … not fair … Stevie was just given an all star team in the making.
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who ever said gervais was overrated (post 60) the dude sucks. not a nhl defenseman. cut him loose.
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geduffer says:
Great news. Now everyone can move onto the next obsession, the draft. Of course there’s a little something going on before the draft that a few people here might have heard of…the Stanley Cup Finals.
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Ron says:
@Ron (61)
1999 Rd. 8, Radek Martinek
2002 Rd. 3, Frans Nielsen
2003 Rd. 6, Bruno Gervais
2004 Rd. 2, Blake Comeau
2004 Rd. 7, Chris Campoli
2005 Rd. 2, Dustin Kohn
Not spectacular, but Milbury and the scouting staff did find quality inside and outside of the first round. I think people underestimate how difficult it is for drafted players to make it to the NHL and stick around. Garth’s 2008 draft has the potential to be exceptional, possibly even historic when you look at the history of the draft since expansion and how few times teams have managed to get even 3 NHL players in a single draft class. The Isles 2008 draft will reach that (Bailey, Hamonic, Martin) and has an outside shot at 4 or more with Petrov, Poulin and Donovan.Yes, the Islanders have been bad for a long time, but making Milbury the constant poster-boy for their failures is short-sighted and often just plain wrong.
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71
That’s what you get in a decade of drafting? It was not like we were Detroit and picking last.
I think that Alamo was easier to defend then that draft record. -
Seth says:
Welcome Travis To The NY Islanders I Know Youn Will Make A Great Impact And Be A Big Part Of The Rebuild.
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dose says:
“I love Stevie Y … he is my fave alltime player that wasn’t an Islander …”
with all due respect, he was a great player, but you feel that way despite the bad stuff he had to say about the islanders in the early 1990′s? it was fairly venomous as i recall, and it’s always stayed with me.
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admin says:
Thread closed.
Doubt seriously that he’ll be signed… with the belief that he’ll make it right away. A good year of AHL hockey and maybe a cup of coffee at some point would have to be considered quite a good pro debut.