Travis Hamonic didn't give playing in Europe a second thought because he knew that his lockout situation dictated that he would end up in the minors. "I never really entertained the thoughts of going to Europe because I knew given the circumstances of my contract, I didn't have a choice," he said. "The Islanders were going to do what they were going to do, [but] this is a good spot to be in." He is still playing with an entry-level contract and has 135 career NHL contests under his belt, so he qualifies for the AHL where he will start the 2012-13 season with Bridgeport.