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Travis Hamonic has opted out of the 2020 Playoffs

Photo credit: Sergei Belski/USA Today Sports

By Ryan Pike

Jul 10, 2020, 23:19 EDTUpdated: Jul 11, 2020, 00:06 EDT

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A bit of breaking news on a Friday night. In advance of Monday’s deadline to do so, Calgary Flames defenseman Travis Hamonic has informed the club that he won’t be participating in training camp or playoffs, citing family considerations.

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#Flames general manager Brad Treliving has issued a statement on Travis Hamonic. cflam.es/3gHb9l0

3:16 AM · Jul 11, 2020

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The statement from the Flames:

Calgary Flames General Manager Brad Treliving released the following statement this evening regarding defenceman Travis Hamonic.
“Earlier this evening Travis called me to inform us that he has decided to opt out of the NHL Return to Play Program. Travis explained that due to family considerations, he has made the difficult decision not to participate in the Stanley Cup Qualifier and Playoffs.
“While we will miss Travis in our line-up, we understand and respect his decision. Our focus remains on preparation for training camp and our upcoming series in the NHL Qualifying Round.”

Hamonic, 29, is a pending unrestricted free agent. He’s also a husband and a father. There was a health scare with his young daughter last season that saw Hamonic miss two games after she had to be rushed to hospital. (Not to say that’s the main reason, but you can understand it if it was.) Given all the unpredictability of COVID-19 these days, it’s better safe than sorry – especially when it comes to something as important as a family member’s health.

Hamonic suffered a rib injury earlier this season, but was set to return to the lineup before the pause wiped out the rest of the regular season games.

Hamonic released a statement through his agency:

The Flames begin training camp on Monday.