New York Islanders blue liner Travis Hamonic is looking for a trade - preferably to a Western Canadian team - due to personal reasons,
according to Elliotte Friedman.
While the Islanders would like to oblige Hamonic's wish they are not going to give him away and would like a solid top-4 defenseman in return, not futures.
In this edition of the hotstove we discuss the best match for Hamonic given his situation and the Islanders' needs.
Todd Cordell
If Hamonic goes to a Western Canadian team I think Winnipeg is the best match for the Islanders.
They're closest to home for Hamonic and, though they don't really need help on defense, they have plenty they could offer the Islanders if they are actually interested.
I think it's safe to say Jacob Trouba is untouchable - and rightfully so - but would the Jets part with a guy like Dustin Byfuglien if he's not going to re-sign in Winnipeg? What about Tyler Myers? What about defense prospect Josh Morrissey? His AHL numbers are a little underwhelming thus far but he does lead 20-year-old blue liners in shots per game so it's probably only a matter of time before he starts chipping in some points.
Again, I don't know if Winnipeg is interested in Hamonic but if they are I think they make the most sense given what the Isles are looking for.
John Jaeckel
I heard today that the Blackhawks have inquired about Hamonic, but the team that really seems to make the most sense is the Winnipeg Jets.
And the return (as part of a package including more assets going both ways) that might make the most sense is one Dustin Byfuglien. Yes, Garth Snow takes on an offseason contract issue, but also gets back a playoff difference-maker and another right hand shooting top 4 defenseman.
Winnipeg, in the broad geographic terms of Western Canada, is a stone's throw from Hamonic's hometown.
All that said, the Blackhawks have a more acute need at defense than probably most realize, and would possibly include Marko Dano or Teuvo Teravainen along with a credible NHL blue liner in a package for Hamonic. And in terms of air travel, Chicago is not that much farther away from home for Hamonic than Minneapolis, and is closer than, say, Vancouver.
Still, if I had to bet: Winnipeg.
James Tanner
The Leafs have Dion who could help the Islanders, who have cap space (by moving Hamonic they'd have $9 million, roughly) and the Leafs could take back Josh Baily ($3 million) giving the Islanders more than $5 in cap space.
Now, Hamonic is light years better than Phaneuf, so if the Leafs also included a prospect or Pittsburgh's first, it might be palatable.
I mean, it's not like the Islanders can limit themselves to just Winnipeg. And its Hamonic would give the Leafs three close-to-elite defenesmen on their roster and he's 25 and locked up for his entire prime.
Maybe that isn't enough to get it done, but how am I supposed to know what market value is for a great player who wants to be traded to a specific team?
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