Islanders' Travis Hamonic: Skates on his own

Hamonic (knee) skated on his own before practice Thursday, Arthur Staple of Newsday reports.

Analysis:

Hamonic is still without a clear timetable to return; he'll have to get back in action at practice before being deployed in a game. The veteran was considered to be the team's best defensive defenseman entering the season, but his play had slipped before the injury. Still, the Isles will welcome him back to help solidify a back end that has given up 27 goals over their past seven games.