The 2025 NHL offseason is winding down, but teams are still making moves to bolster their rosters for the upcoming season. Among them are the Detroit Red Wings, who have recently made several new signings.
However, their latest decision to sign 34-year-old defenseman Travis Hamonic has drawn significant criticism from fans and critics alike. Despite the team’s need for defensive depth, the fanbase’s reaction has been largely negative.
Why Are Fans Unhappy With the Detroit Red Wings’ Latest Signing?
The Detroit Red Wings did not make any major trades during free agency, but they have brought in several young players. The recent addition of former Ottawa Senator defenseman Travis Hamonic was announced via an official tweet from the team’s X handle.
According to the update, the Red Wings signed Hamonic on a one-year deal valued at $1 million.
This decision, however, has not been well-received by fans, who are questioning the move. While Hamonic offers a veteran presence on Detroit’s backline, his performance in recent seasons, particularly with Ottawa, has raised concerns.
UPDATE: The #RedWings have signed defenseman Travis Hamonic to a one-year contract with an AAV of $1,000,000. pic.twitter.com/fw1qWJwEM2
— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) August 15, 2025
As one fan noted, “Another mid defenseman for a mid team.” While Hamonic has played more than 900 regular-season games across his tenure with the Senators, Canucks, Flames, and Islanders, he has only made it to the postseason three times. This track record contributes to fan skepticism.
Meanwhile, another fan expressed frustration, stating that Hamonic’s performances have been subpar in the NHL. They mentioned, “How does this plug keep getting work in the NHL? Literally the definition of mid.” His P60, a measure of his production per 60 minutes on ice, was just 0.41, suggesting limited impact during his time on the ice.
How does this plug keep getting work in the NHL? Literally the definition of mid
— Oily Big Dog (@OilyBigDog) August 15, 2025
Additionally, another fan remarked, “Hamonic’s a great guy, but I can’t believe I’m saying this — I actually feel sorry for Wings fans. He’s a liability almost every time he’s on the ice. He actually makes your team worse when he’s in the lineup.”
This comment aligns with statistics from the last season, where Hamonic’s goals for percentage (GF%) was 32.80 and his defensive efficiency percentage (DFF%) was 47.60, suggesting that the Senators performed worse defensively when Hamonic was on the ice. At 34 years old, many believe Hamonic is past his prime.
Hamonic’s a great guy but I can’t believe I’m saying this – I actually feel sorry for Wings fans. He’s a liability almost every time he’s on the ice. He actually makes your team worse when he’s in the lineup.
— Bleak5170 (@Bleak5170) August 15, 2025
Last season, he played in only 59 games. As one fan sarcastically put it, “There’s no way, man. I’m taking a year off.” While the Red Wings’ decision to sign him for just $1 million represents a low-value, short-term deal, fans argue that the team could have acquired a more impactful player.
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Another fan commented, “What direction is this team going in at this point? Another trash signing. Didn’t get better this summer; enjoy missing playoffs again and wasting another year of Kane.” This sentiment highlights the fans’ visible dissatisfaction with Detroit’s recent acquisitions.
The frustration is further compounded by the presence of a proven veteran like Patrick Kane, who previously led the Blackhawks to three Stanley Cup trophies. Fans believe the Detroit Red Wings are not utilizing him effectively. With the regular season still six weeks away, the Red Wings will need to carefully consider their lineups and strategies.
