Travis Hamonic Withdraws from NHL Return to Play

The NHL has worked its way out for the players to officially withdraw from the return-to-play after the Collective Bargaining Agreement was formally ratified. The window is now open to players, and they can opt-out as per their choice.

After this window was opened, Calgary Flames defenseman Travis Hamonic became the first player to have opted-out from the league. He made an announcement of his withdrawal through his agency Titan Sports 365 citing family reasons for not participating in this season of the game.

Calgary Flames’ GM Brad Treliving Statement.

After Hamonic’s official statement came in, Calgary Flames’ GM Brad Treliving made an announcement, which read as, "Earlier, this evening Travis called me to inform us that he has decided to opt-out of the NHL Return to Play Program. Travis explained that due to family considerations, he has made the difficult decision not to participate in the Stanley Cup Qualifier and Playoffs. While we will miss Travis in our lineup, we understand and respect his decision. Our focus remains on preparation for training camp and our upcoming series in the NHL Qualifying Round."

Why did Hamonic opted-out from the Game?

While making the announcement, Hamonic cited family considerations as the reason for withdrawing from the return to play. Per sources, his daughter had previously fought a life-threatening respiratory virus and that is the reason he opted out from the game. Also, he does not want to keep any stone unturned in keeping his newborn baby boy safe.

Hamonic is one of the most effective blueliners of the Calgary Flames and his absence will definitely be prominent for the team. This season, Hamonic logged more than 21 minutes per game. Now the defenseman Erik Gustafsson & Derek Forbort trade deadline becomes even more significant.

About Travis Hamonic.

Travis Hamonic is a professional ice hockey defenceman for the Calgary Flames of the NHL from Canada. The 29-year-old defenceman was drafted by the New York Islanders 53rd overall in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft.

In 2017, Hamonic, the New York Islanders got traded from the New York Islanders to the Calgary Flames for two second-round draft picks and a first-round draft pick. He was nominated for the King Clancy Memorial Trophy in 2018, for being the most qualified player for his leadership skills both on & off the ice.

In October 2018, when Vancouver Canucks defeated the Flames 2018–19 season opener, following a tussle with Erik Gudbranson, which led to a facial fracture, Hamonic was placed on injured reserve. And, after a few months, he was activated from the injured reserve.

In a statement, Hamonic made an announcement of withdrawing from the NHL Return-To-Play Program citing family considerations as the reason. This means he will not be playing the 2020 Stanley Cup playoffs. Let’s hope he & his family remains safe & healthy.