The Winnipeg Jets Should Stay Away From Signing Travis Hamonic

Some people are predicting the Winnipeg Jets may try to sign Travis Hamonic, but they may not be the best move for the club right now.

While the Winnipeg Jets are currently in the offseason, the rumor mill is always a fun place to look at. Hockey analysts and “Joe Schmoe’s” all predicting where a free agent will go or the new blockbuster trade that will turn pretenders into contenders.

One rumor that was interesting, is that the Winnipeg Jets may go after unrestricted free agent Travis Hamonic. The idea of the Jets signing Hamonic is definitely something that will excite many Winnipeg fans.

The thirty year old defenseman is a local Manitoba product hailing from Saint Malo. Over his ten year NHL career, he played for the New York Islanders for seven seasons and the Calgary Flames for three. In 636 games he has 188 points, a +2 plus/minus and 591 penalty minutes.

Hamonic is the definition of a solid defensive defenseman. He is a no-nonsense player, who plays the game tough and physical. He is usually matched up against the other team’s top forwards and shuts them down.

I love the idea of Hamonic “coming home” and singing a deal with the Jets. There is definitely something romantic about Hamonic playing in Winnipeg and will be a great turn for his career, but at this time, it is not the smart move for the Jets.

The Jets have way too many players at their disposal on defense and not a lot of cap room. The Jets have many young defenseman in their ranks and Hamonic is coming off a contract where he made $3,857,143 per season. Obviously, a new contract with Winnipeg would have to be significantly less.

With the little cap space to play with and an influx of players on defense, as of right now the idea of signing Hamonic does not seem like a smart play for Winnipeg. The Jets seem to be set on defense and can use their money wisely on other areas of the ice.

There only way a move for Hamonic makes sense is if the Jets open up more room on the blueline by way of trade. This will open a spot for Hamonic and some cap room to sign other assets too.

Winnipeg Jets Fans: Do you think the Jets should go after Hamonic or leave him on the market? Leave your comments below!

*All Stats Provided by the NHL*