The Detroit Red Wings balanced out their defense by signing right-shot defenseman Travis Hamonic, 34, to a one-year deal for $1 million.
This is a safe, short-term, signing by Yzerman. Hamonic becomes part of Detroit’s mix. He is a physical, defense-first performer who knows how he needs to play to be effective. Hamonic has played 900 NHL games. He is still capable of blocking 130+ shots and delivering 100 hits. Staying healthy will be key for Hamonic. He has played four seasons in Ottawa.
In theory, this gives Detroit four right-shot defensemen: Moritz Seider, Justin Holl, Jacob Bernard-Docker and Hamonic. Detroit’s left-shot D Men are Simon Edvinsson, Ben Chiarot, Erik Gustafsson and Albert Johansson.
Left-shot William Lagesson is on a one-way contract and is very much in the mix. The coaching staff appreciates that he had a quality season (mostly in Grand Rapids) as the team’s extra defenseman in 2023-24. The Red Wings respect what he has to offer.
Travis Hamonic, signed 1x$1M by DET, is a veteran defenceman whose name is an anagram for Harmonic Vista pic.twitter.com/4ddpxXKNg2
— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) August 15, 2025
Also, it’s likely that Axel Sandin Pellikka will start the season in Grand Rapids. But the team will give him a shot to show his offensive abilities in the preseason. GM Steve Yzerman would love it if Sandin Pellikka forced the team to keep him on the roster.
The Red Wings are technically crowded on defense now. However, the Red Wings wouldn’t have a problem moving out someone to make room for Sandin Pellikka. Prospect William Wallinder is another defenseman ready to make a push for the NHL. And it should be noted that prospect Antti Tuomisto is no longer waiver-exempt. He would have to be put through waivers to play in Grand Rapids.
Hamonic, 34, has played for the New York Islanders, Calgary Flames, Vancouver Canucks and Senators.
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