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Detroit Red Wings Sign Controversial Defenseman to Seven-Figure Contract

Originally posted on House of Hockey | By Tom Banks | Last updated Aug 15, 2025 1:22 PM ET

Travis Hamonic has been incredibly poor in the NHL over the past few years, but now, the Detroit Red Wings have shockingly signed him to a one-year deal.

The Detroit Red Wings have been looking to make their way back to the Stanley Cup Playoffs for a number of years now, and despite some very promising talent coming through the organization, they've not been able to do so thus far.

This off-season was a chance for them to significantly improve their roster, but to this point they've failed to make a blockbuster, with optimism still very high among fans and the team heading into the 2025/26 campaign.

Detroit add an intriguing veteran from the Ottawa Senators

Now, they've made a surprise signing ahead of training camp, as the team officially announced on Friday that they have signed veteran Travis Hamonic to a one-year deal for the upcoming season.

Unsurprisingly, this wasn't a move that was received well by Red Wings fans, and all over social media, fans of the Ottawa Senators that have watched Hamonic for the last few years have been enjoying the new signing.

Over the past two seasons, Hamonic has struggled mightily in Ottawa, tallying just 3 goals and 13 points in 107 games, with the 34-year old combining for a -26 differential in that time for a very solid Senators team.

The one positive for Red Wings fans is that this is just a one-year deal worth $1 million, meaning that if he continues to struggle, the team will be able to move off of his deal rather easily, and if he can turn things around, he's a good, solid depth piece for a reasonable price.

Ultimately though, it's questionable signing for a team that's looking to make the leap back into the Stanley Cup Playoffs in 2025/26, and unless Hamonic can find his form that we saw years ago, it's going to be another bad deal for GM Steve Yzerman.

This article first appeared on House of Hockey and was syndicated with permission.

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