After a bit of a scare in Sunday night’s preseason finale in Barrie, Ont., Islanders top-pair defenseman Travis Hamonic returned to practice on Tuesday and declared himself ready for the regular-season opener on Friday night in Newark against the Devils.
Hamonic took a hit from Senators forward Derek Grant in the first period of the Isles’ split-squad exhibition game and did not return. He was evaluated Monday night for what was assumed to be a concussion, but he was cleared to play.
“It was either take a hit and make the play, or don’t make the play,” Hamonic said. “I chose to make it. It’s going to take a lot more than that to keep me out of the lineup on Friday.”
Forward Michael Grabner missed Tuesday’s practice, but coach Jack Capuano said Grabner just wasn’t feeling well and got the day off. He Is expected to be fine for Friday.