The Vancouver Canucks blueline could be a lot better next season after a report came through about Travis Hamonic being awarded a professional tryout.
There have been several reports that came through late last night in regards to the Vancouver Canucks offering right-shot defenceman, Travis Hamonic, a professional tryout. If these rumours ring true, Vancouver could return to game action with an upgraded defence corps, something that has been in question all offseason long.
It was Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet that was the first to report his findings. According to him, it appears that Hamonic is Vancouver bound on the terms of a professional tryout, and both head coach Travis Green and general manager Jim Benning are expected to make an announcement about it today.
This is fantastic news for the Canucks as it has long been rumoured that Vancouver was going to be forced to depend on their youthful defensive prospects as they really haven’t had a veteran presence in the mix as a secondary option.
Hamonic is a reliable defender with experience who can play 20 minutes a night and even be promoted to the top-four in a pinch. He plays the puck both ways, but he’s considered to be more of a defensive-defenceman somewhat in a similar mould to the recently departed Chris Tanev.
The Canucks could really use some extra insurance just in case Olli Juolevi suffers another setback or if Jordie Benn turns out to be nothing more than he was last season. Adding Hamonic to the fold ups the ante in training camp and gives Vancouver a lot more depth.
At the moment, the status of the PTO is unclear, but this could very well be a similar situation to Mike Hoffman and the St. Louis Blues, who has been given a PTO by GM Doug Armstrong on the intention of striking a deal once Vladimir Tarasenko is placed on LTIR. With Micheal Ferland likely destined for the same fate, could Hamonic be receiving similar treatment from the Canucks?
It’s entirely possible and something that should come to light once the Canucks organization speaks to the media today. But for now, the addition of Hamonic on a PTO is no skin off the back of Benning or Green. It’s a win-win situation for the Canucks in general.
Keep your eyes on The Canuck Way as more news on this situation continues to unfold.