Flames’ Travis Hamonic opts out of NHL’s return, citing family reasons

The NHL makes it official. David Amber, Elliotte Friedman and Chris Johnston break down the CBA extension, then unpack all the important dates released on Friday, including training camp, the return to game action, and the NHL Draft.

Calgary Flames defenceman Travis Hamonic has opted out of the NHL’s return-to-play program, becoming the first NHLer to do so.

Flames GM Brad Treliving announced the decision in a statement on Friday night.

“Earlier this evening Travis called me to inform us that he has decided to opt out of the NHL return-to-play program,” Treliving’s statement read. “Travis explained that due to family considerations, he has made the difficult decision not to participate in the Stanley Cup qualifier and playoffs.”

Hamonic issued the following statement in a Twitter thread posted by his agency:

Hamonic’s decision to opt out comes on the heels of the NHL and NHLPA ratifying a new CBA and return-to-play plan that paved the way for the league’s summer restart.

“While we will miss Travis in our lineup, we understand and respect his decision. Our focus remains on preparation for training camp and our upcoming series in the NHL Qualifying Round.”

In 50 games with Calgary this year, the 29-year-old scored three goals and added nine assists. He will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season.

The Flames will face the Winnipeg Jets in a best-of-five play-in series starting Aug. 1 in Edmonton.

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