By Canadian Press

Canucks defenceman Travis Hamonic will be double vaccinated ‘soon’: coach

Nov 1, 2021 | 7:04 PM

VANCOUVER — Defenceman Travis Hamonic has returned to the Vancouver Canucks after missing the start of the season due to personal issues. 

Hamonic, 31, spoke with media Monday after practising with his teammates for the first time this season and said he is following the NHL’s protocols for COVID-19. 

He declined to specify what kept him away from the Canucks (3-5-1), saying only that he’s been going through an “extremely difficult time.” 

Canucks head coach Travis Green said Hamonic will be double vaccinated “soon” and could slot into the lineup as soon as Tuesday, when Vancouver hosts the New York Rangers. 

Hamonic, who hails from St. Malo, Man., played 38 games for Vancouver last season, registering 10 points (three goals, seven assists).

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He signed a two-year, US$6-million deal with the Canucks in July, but wasn’t in Vancouver when the team opened training camp Sept. 24. He was granted a temporary leave of absence on Oct. 18 and assigned to the club’s American Hockey League affiliate, the Abbotsford Canucks. 

Hamonic played in Abbotsford Saturday before being recalled to the NHL club on Monday. Rookie defenceman Jack Rathbone was reassigned to the minor-league team in a corresponding move. 

Hamonic has played 675 regular-season games over 11 NHL seasons with the Canucks, Calgary Flames and New York Islanders.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 1, 2021. 

The Canadian Press