Like most fans, I read the reports when Hamonic was acquired, and thought WTF, what a bad move. After watching him play for 6 games, reading about his history of charitable work with kids who lost a parent in New York, and with native kids in Calgary, and watching him being interviewed, I now think it was a good acquisition.
On the ice, Hamonic is clearly our 3rd best defenseman (not counting Sanderson). He has stabilized DelZotto, who doesn't look so bad anymore. I'm glad we have him for next year to pair with Sanderson. It's also nice to have some grit and toughness on D that can actually play, unlike Brown.
Based on the interviews, he seems like a stand-up guy. He was nominated for the King Clancy award once. He seems like a genuine sincere person, a family first guy.
He opted out of the playoffs due to a sick child, and fear of Covid. He also was the last guy on Van to get vaccinated, seems to have been afraid of that too. I wouldn't demonize someone over these things.
Seeing how eager "unnamed" Canucks players leaked to the media how they are glad he is gone to me says a lot more about the Canucks and how toxic their dressing room might be. And Methot gleefully decrying that Hamonic sounds like a strange bird, etc, says more about Methot's character than Hamonic.
All I can say is welcome to the team Travis, I'm very glad he's here, hope he stays after next season for the rest of his career. As I said, I expected this guy to be a washed up bad guy, and he seems to have some game left, and seems like a sincere good guy who was misunderstood.