Detroit City Wire

Travis Hamonic has joined the Detroit Red Wings on a one-year free-agent contract signed August 15, aiming to contribute both on and off the ice during the 2025-26 NHL season.

In his first media appearance since joining Detroit, Hamonic expressed enthusiasm about integrating with his new team. “I’m excited to come in,” Hamonic said. “It seems like a great, very close group. I’m ready to integrate myself into the team and community. Such a storied franchise…I’ve only been a Wing for a little bit, but very proud of that opportunity to wear that jersey. Very thankful for the organization for giving me that chance, so I want to make sure that I’m ready to go and I believe that I am, and to be a positive impact through my time in Detroit and as a Wing.”

Hamonic played last season with the Ottawa Senators, recording seven points in 59 games while averaging just over 17 minutes of ice time per game. He described his recent roles as varied but focused on being reliable when called upon. “The last couple seasons in Ottawa, my role has kind of been a little bit of everything,” Hamonic said. “There were some injuries last year, but I thought I had a good season and played well. This upcoming season, I’m just kind of ready to do whatever is asked of me, be a good player, a good teammate and push for playing time. We have a good defensive core back there. It’s going to be competitive, and I’m there to push and earn my ice time.”

Drafted by the New York Islanders in 2008, Hamonic has appeared in 900 regular-season NHL games with several teams since making his debut in 2010-11. He brings experience he hopes will benefit younger players on the Red Wings roster. “For myself, especially in the last couple years and with some of the young defensemen we had in Ottawa, I really wanted to be someone who was relied upon to help,” Hamonic said. “If you can help share some sort of knowledge or understanding of the game that you’ve learned throughout your career to help pay it forward… I remember some of those players when I was younger and I’m still very appreciative of that. If you can come in, show you can play and really contribute to the team, and then help those young players along the way, whether it’s on or off the ice or whatever the case may be, to come in and set a good example and really help…To look back on your career when you’re older, I think that’s something you’ll look back on and be proud of.”

Hamonic also noted his excitement about reuniting with Jacob Bernard-Docker after spending several seasons together in Ottawa. “JBD, first and foremost, is a great teammate and player,” Hamonic said. “He’s become a really good friend of mine. He’s got some sneaky skill. He plays hard. He’s not the biggest guy, but he plays competitively. He moves well and is someone who can make solid plays. When he’s feeling confident, he’s in the rush and makes plays. He’s a good player. Sometimes, you just got to find your opportunity and stride. He had that injury last season, and I think it’s hard to get going after an injury like that, but I think the fans and team in Detroit are going to see a really good young player who has a bright future in front of him.”

Reflecting on his career stage at age 34, Hamonic emphasized adaptability: “When you do get into the second half of your career, you got to keep up,” Hamonic said. “You got to be able to play, be reliable when you’re on the ice and kind of do what is called upon you as a player and as a teammate. You’re always trying to evolve, keep up and stay with the curve. Sometimes it’s easier said than done but I feel very confident with where my game is at.”

Describing his style as physical with an emphasis on defensive responsibilities such as penalty killing and blocking shots, Hamonic stated: “You want to come in and compete for a job,” Hamonic said. “On the ice, just be a solid, steady influence bring some physicality on the back end; to be solid on penalty kill blocking shots doing some not-so-pretty jobs—some jobs that hurt…I’m ready put my best foot forward give everything that got organization.”

As Detroit prepares for its Centennial celebration this season—a milestone marking one hundred years since its founding—Hamonic spoke about representing an Original Six franchise: “It’s one those cities teams organizations where come wow factor every single time,” he said.“Whether early career [Joe Louis Arena] now new [Little Caesars Arena], part Original Six [team] something every player wants chance have.”