Photo credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
A Detroit Red Wings veteran has been left out of the lineup after a tough road trip, as Travis Hamonic‘s spot on the third defensive pair has been taken by a recent offseason acquisition.
Travis Hamonic has been included in a lot of trade rumors over the past months.
The Wings have a surplus of veteran defensemen to address, and Hamonic is among the most obvious candidates to end up leaving the team on the trade market.
But for Steve Yzerman to be able to shop him, he must give Hamonic a chance to show his value on the ice for other organizations’ scouting departments to actually see him in action.
The 35-year-old veteran was limited to nine games so far this season.
Today, at the Red Wings practice, he was the seventh defenseman, officially appearing to be replaced by another player who has waited his turn for a while now.
Finnie was removed from the top line, while Travis Hamonic was replaced by Jacob Bernard-Docker on the third defensive pairing.
Bernard-Docker, 25, hasn’t been able to bring a big offensive impact, tallying one point in eight games, but Hamonic has the same tally in nine games.
The main difference can be seen in the goal differential department: Bernard-Docker has a +3, while Hamonic has a -2.
It’ll be interesting to see if Bernard-Docker is able to solidify his place in the Wings’ long-term plans. As of now, he seems to have a small edge on Hamonic, but the next few games will be decisive.
Previously on Red Wings Insider
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Red Wings veteran defenseman now looks on the outside of the lineup after rocky road trip
Do you think the Detroit Red Wings will trade Travis Hamonic this season?