Canucks make official statement on Travis Hamonic’s future with the team

Earlier this week, it was rumoured that Vancouver Canucks defenseman Travis Hamonic had seriously been considering retirement at just 31 years old due to the NHL’s vaccine mandate. 

Hamonic has not yet attended Canucks training camp and it’s not yet known what his vaccination status is or if he is opposed to the NHL’s vaccine mandate. Very little information was given on why Hamonic was not attending, but finally on Friday night, ahead of the preseason tilt against the Calgary Flames, GM Jim Benning made an official statement on Hamonic’s situation. 

 “We’ve received confirmation that Travis Hamonic will not be opting out this season. He remains at home, dealing with some personal matters. We continue to support him, and out of respect for the situation, we will have no further comment at this time.”

It’s worth noting that Hamonic opted out of the NHL’s return in 2020 due to concerns over his daughter who has respiratory issues. Again, we can only speculate as to what this means but I’m certain that his family’s health is at the forefront of his decision making.

Hamonic signed a two year contract worth $3 million per season just two months ago with the Canucks. He might be place on long-term absence or the Canucks might have to address some cap issues later on. 

But for now, Hamonic will not opt out, but is focused on personal matters. We wish him the best.