Detroit Red Wings bolster blue line with veteran Hamonic signing
The Detroit Red Wings have added depth on defense by signing Travis Hamonic to a one-year, $1 million contract. The 34-year-old right-shot defenseman is expected to bring a steady, shutdown presence to Detroit’s back end while contributing on the penalty kill.
Hamonic is a veteran presence with 242 points in 900 NHL games, having played for the New York Islanders, Calgary Flames, Vancouver Canucks and most recently the Ottawa Senators. Known for his physical play and defensive reliability, he fits the mold of a low-risk addition that can slot into a crowded, experienced corps.
In Detroit, Hamonic will join a defense group that already features Moritz Seider, Justin Holl and Jacob Bernard-Docker on the right side, with left-shot blueliners Ben Chiarot, Simon Edvinsson, Albert Johansson and Erik Gustafsson rounding out the depth. He could slide into a third-pairing role and bring additional penalty-killing experience to coach Todd McLellan’s lineup.
This season, the Wings are easing into camp with two goaltenders under contract—Cam Talbot and newcomer John Gibson—which should give them flexibility to carry eight defensemen and still have room for 13 forwards. Camp in Traverse City is set for mid-September, followed by a Red-White scrimmage in Grand Rapids on September 21, and an eight-game exhibition slate to get everyone up to speed. This marks McLellan’s first training camp as Detroit’s head coach since his appointment on December 26.
Commentary: The Hamonic signing aligns with Detroit’s approach of adding experienced, reliable depth to a rising young core led by Seider, while maintaining budget-friendly, short-term commitments. It gives McLellan more options on the blue line and adds a veteran voice to a team building toward a more competitive group this season.
Summary
– Travis Hamonic signs a one-year, $1 million deal with Detroit.
– A right-shot defenseman with 900 NHL games and 242 points, previously with Islanders, Flames, Canucks, Senators.
– Adds depth to a crowded defense; potential third-pairing and PK role.
– Camp in Traverse City in September; Red-White scrimmage September 21; eight-game exhibition slate.
– McLellan’s first camp as Wings coach; Goaltenders: Talbot and Gibson.
Additional notes: This move is positioned as a smart, low-risk acquisition that complements Detroit’s blending of veteran savvy with youthful upside on the back end.