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When the Ottawa Senators aren’t successful, the fan base tends to get stressed, in search of scapegoats. It is the identical with each NHL group and one or two gamers usually bear the brunt of it.
If you happen to needed to choose who that lightning rod participant was from final season in Ottawa, it was in all probability a tie between goalie Joonas Korpisalo and defenceman Travis Hamonic.
Past the $4 million he’ll get from the Sens over the subsequent 4 seasons, Korpisalo is not a part of the Ottawa dialogue. As for Hamonic, who’s getting into the ultimate yr of his contract, he is aware of he had a tough season final yr, however he additionally appears hell bent on turning it round.
“I did not have an excellent yr final yr, and I do know that,” Hamonic informed TSN 1200 on the membership’s annual golf match this week. “However I had a few procedures achieved on my knee, had summer season coaching, and really feel youthful on the ice. So, hopefully, that interprets into some actually good play. However I do know that I must have season.”
In our e book, the well-spoken 34-year-old sometime has a future in broadcasting if he needs it. However proper now, Hamonic appears like he can nonetheless compete, play robust, and get again to the usual that he holds himself to. With 841 NHL video games below his belt, it is unimaginable to consider he would have performed this lengthy if he weren’t able to greater than followers noticed from him final season. However can he get again to the place he was earlier in his profession?
Because the Senators attempt to determine, amongst different issues, who might be handed the third job on the best facet of their blue line, Hamonic has loads going for him:
Jake Sanderson says he’ll always remember how Hamonic (and Nick Holden) took him below his wing in his rookie season. Hamonic want to proceed in that mentor function this season, and it is easy to think about that Tyler Kleven – one other former North Dakota star – will want his steering.
“We now have a younger group and I nonetheless suppose I can have a extremely essential voice inside that locker room to assist a few of these youthful gamers of their profession,” Hamonic stated.
“And it is sort of come full circle at this level in my profession. You need to be sure you proceed to make a long-lasting impression on the ice, definitely, however off the ice with a few of these youthful gamers as nicely. And I do know that does turn into your function at this level in your profession. However I nonetheless really feel like I’ve received some good hockey in me.”
As for the larger image of the group’s fortunes, after seven years with out the playoffs, it isn’t straightforward to ask followers to be affected person. Hamonic says a brand new tradition does not occur in a single day, particularly with the large quantity of change all through the group within the final 18 months.
“How many individuals of their regular daily lives change their tradition instantly? It takes some time, proper? However I do suppose you want the best items in place to drive that ahead. And typically there’s a chance to maneuver it alongside somewhat bit quicker when a coach is available in or one thing like that. So for us, I believe it is a number of anticipation for the season, us and each different group within the league and all the opposite fan bases.
“However we really feel very assured about the place we’re at.”
Regardless of his unflattering numbers final season, Hamonic’s expertise and renewed well being may make him somewhat extra invaluable than individuals suppose. However for a group that may’t abdomen yet one more poor begin within the standings, Hamonic’s bounce again, if it occurs, should be instant.
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