Hamonic (upper body) is expected to return to the Islanders lineup over the weekend. There was some thought that Hamonic might play Monday against the Devils after he was able to practice with the team a day earlier, but the Islanders elected to play it safe and keep him out for another game. Coach Jack Capuano said he was "coming along" nicely during practices the last two days, and his activation shouldn't be far off.

Hamonic (upper body) practiced with the team Sunday, according to Newsday. Hamonic had no restrictions during practice and all signs are pointing towards a Monday return to the lineup for one of the Islanders best defensemen.

Hamonic (upper body) will not play Saturday against the Blackhawks but appears to be closing in on a return to game action, Arthur Staple of Newsday reports. Hamonic resumed practicing with the Islanders on Friday and may only need another day or two with the team before he's activated. The impending return of a top-four blueliner like Hamonic would be a welcome development after the Isles were torched for 12 goals in two recent games against the Blues.

Hamonic (upper body) skated Wednesday, according to Newsday. Hamonic skated with the Islanders skills coach so it was far from a practice. No word yet on when he might return to the team but this would seem to be a step in the right direction.

Hamonic (upper body) was placed on injured reserve retroactive to Dec. 2. Coach Jack Capuano reportedly said at Friday's practice that Hamonic wasn't "going to be playing anytime here soon", suggesting that he won't be returning from IR next week when eligible. The Islanders recalled Griffin Reinhart on Thursday to take his spot in the lineup, and he'll presumably be tasked with filling in for Hamonic over a long-term period.

Hamonic (upper body) will not play Thursday against the Senators, Arthur Staple of Newsday reports. Coach Jack Capuano was unable to provide an update on Hamonic's status following the Islanders' morning skate, so he'll be scratched from the lineup in favor of Griffin Reinhart. Hamonic suffered the upper-body injury at some point during Tuesday's match.

Hamonic left Tuesday's game versus the Senators with an upper-body injury, the Associated Press reports. Hamonic will most likely take Wednesday's practice off while he recovers from the injury, so it might not be known until after Thursday's morning skate whether or not he'll suit up for the rematch with the Senators. His potential absence for that game would be damaging, as the Islanders have already been getting by without Lubomir Visnovsky (upper body) and Johnny Boychuk (upper body).

Hamonic was tacked with 15 penalty minutes in Saturday's win over the Penguins. Hamonic earned a five-minute penalty for fighting Steve Downie in the first period, then was later padded his total with a 10-minute misconduct with 30 seconds remaining in the contest. The blueliner typically offers most of his value as a scrapper than a puck-mover, as his 44 PIM and 48 hits over 16 games would attest.

Hamonic (upper body) will play Saturday against the Sharks. Hamonic has watched the last four games from the press box, but will return to the lineup for Saturday's contest. The blueliner recorded a goal and 23 PIM in six games before getting hurt.

Hamonic is expected to make his return to the Isles' lineup Saturday in San Jose, Arthur Staple of Newsday reports. Hamonic will be a spectator Thursday versus the Avalanche for the fourth straight game, but coach Jack Capuano noted after the morning skate that he was "very close" to playing the defenseman in the contest. If he's able to avoid any setbacks at practice Friday, there's a strong likelihood that Hamonic would reenter the lineup Saturday.