The Detroit Red Wings made a few moves in NHL free agency this offseason. Travis Hamonic, James van Riemsdyk, and Mason Appleton were among the names to sign as free agents. Additionally, the Red Wings traded for John Gibson in a deal with the Anaheim Ducks. While none of these are star-level players, Detroit believed these additions would improve the team enough to help contend for the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
So far, it has been a mixed bag. Gibson was pulled from his Red Wings debut and hasn’t played since. Van Riemsdyk has faced personal issues and only made his team debut recently on Monday. On the brighter side, Mason Appleton has been on fire, scoring twice against the Florida Panthers in the team’s most recent victory.
Detroit currently sits at 3-1-0 after a rough start against the Montreal Canadiens to open the season. Head coach Todd McLellan made several lineup changes following that game. Overall, the Red Wings have turned in better performances across the board.
However, there is one player whose exclusion from the lineup has had the most positive impact: Travis Hamonic. Like Gibson, Hamonic has not played since Detroit’s opening game last week. If the Red Wings are smart, that game will be his final appearance in the Winged Wheel.
### Why Travis Hamonic Should Never Play for Detroit Again
Hamonic is in the midst of his first season with the Red Wings after signing a one-year contract late this past summer. The front office’s idea was that the veteran defenseman could provide depth on the blue line and serve as a mentor to some of the younger defensemen, whether he played in the NHL or was assigned to the AHL.
Unfortunately, Hamonic’s debut with Detroit could not have gone worse. While he made one or two strong defensive plays, overall the third pairing — Hamonic and Albert Johansson — were absolutely overwhelmed by Montreal. In fact, they were the two worst players on the ice for Detroit that night.
Following that game, Detroit made a change. Hamonic was pulled from the lineup and replaced by Jacob Bernard-Docker. Almost immediately, the Red Wings’ third defensive pairing improved. Johansson’s play skyrocketed in the next game, and on Wednesday night, Johansson and Bernard-Docker were among the best players on the ice for Detroit once again. The difference between that pairing and Johansson’s time with Hamonic has been night and day.
### A Questionable Signing from the Start
The decision to sign Hamonic was already questionable. He didn’t play particularly well with the Ottawa Senators last year and has struggled for several seasons. In Ottawa, there was ongoing discussion about trading him or simply keeping him out of the lineup.
On top of that, Detroit already had other defensive depth options. Jacob Bernard-Docker, who signed a contract after leaving the Buffalo Sabres, Justin Holl, Erik Gustafsson, and William Lagesson (signed last summer) were all available as depth options. While none of these players were perfect fits, Hamonic did not offer a clear upgrade to justify his signing.
Though it’s based on just one game, the results speak volumes. The Red Wings should look to trade Hamonic and ensure he does not play another game for Detroit. Moving forward without him in the lineup has clearly been better for the team’s defensive performance and overall success.
https://clutchpoints.com/nhl/detroit-red-wings/1-trade-overreaction-red-wings-early-2025-26-season