Canucks: Travis Hamonic called up, Jack Rathbone sent to Abbotsford

The Vancouver Canucks announced on Monday that they have called up Travis Hamonic from the Abbotsford Canucks and sent down Jack Rathbone.

Rathbone has played eight games this season and has been held pointless.

Hamonic practiced with the Canucks on Monday.

Hamonic has been away from the team due to personal reasons.

On October 25, Matt Sekeres of the Sekeres and Price show reported that Hamonic was on his way to Vancouver.

He was in the lineup for the Abbotsford Canucks on October 30 and assisted on Phil Di Giuseppe’s goal in a 3-2 overtime loss to the Ontario Reign.

Hamonic spoke to the media after practice and gave a statement before taking questions.

“It goes without saying how thankful I am of the organization, to management, to coaches and especially the players,” said Hamonic. “They have been extremely respectful, grateful and I’ve been extremely grateful. They have been helpful and supportive through this time for me and my family. I’m here, I’m excited to be here. I am proud to be a Canuck. This has been an extremely difficult time for me the last little while.”

Hamonic has been the subject of rumours of him being unvaccinated. He said he was vaccinated and following protocols and but did not comment on the reason why he was absent from the team.

“I feel good,” said Hamonic. “It was nice to get a game. (In Abbotsford.) I’ve been training, and  physically I feel like I am ready to go.”

Canucks head coach Travis Green was asked for clarity about Hamonic’s vaccination status.

““He’ll be double vaccinated soon, and we’re following the protocols,” said Green per Sportsnet 650’s Brendan Batchelor.

Iain MacIntyre of Sportsnet points out that Hamonic cannot play games in the United States until he is fully vaccinated. However, he can still play in Canada.

It is still unclear whether Hamonic will be in the lineup for Tuesday’s game against the New York Rangers.