Travis Hamonic to Return for Game One Tonight

The New York Islanders announced today that defenseman Travis Hamonic will return to the lineup for game one tonight against the Florida Panthers.

Capuano: Hamonic will play in Game 1. #Isles

— New York Islanders (@NYIslanders) April 14, 2016

Hamonic was ruled out for the remainder of the regular season in early April after suffering a knee injury. The injury occurred when he was hit by Scott Hartnell of the Columbus Blue Jackets. The hit wasn’t necessarily dirty, but the players’ knees hit awkwardly on a fairly innocent play.

Hamonic injury pic.twitter.com/OGy9Rgsnhe

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— connor (@ConIsles) March 31, 2016

The original timeline for his return was three-to-four weeks. He began skating without equipment last week, then joined the Islanders for two consecutive practices yesterday and today with the official announcement of his return following today’s skate.

News of Hamonic’s return is music to the ears of Islanders fans, as the 6-foot-2 and 25-pound defenseman was sorely missed in the postseason last spring after suffering a knee injury against the Pittsburgh Penguins in the last week of the 2014-15 regular season.

Hamonic has five goals and 21 total points through 72 games this season. The Islanders will open their first round series in Florida tonight at eight o’clock EST in Sunrise, Florida.