NHL Trade Rumors: Could New Jersey Devils move Dougie Hamilton this season?

Dougie Hamilton’s name has started to appear in NHL trade discussions more often, and the reason is quite obvious. The defenseman of the New Jersey Devils is likely to change his surroundings, and the moving season has made other teams judge whether a deal for the veteran skater would be sensible.

This interest was further fueled because Hamilton’s agent, J.P. Barry, told TSN’s Pierre LeBrun that the defenseman with the right shot would not mind waiving part of his 10-team no-trade list in order to make a deal through the process. Hamilton presently has a $9 million cap hit, which is scheduled to last until 2027-28, and makes it a little tricky for New Jersey.

Which NHL teams could show serious interest in Dougie Hamilton?

The Detroit Red Wings are the most obvious candidate who might go for the trade. The Red Wings have been looking for a reliable right-shot defenseman who could already be playing in the top four, and Hamilton would undoubtedly take that spot straight away. Moreover, he might even enhance their power play, which is a part where his hockey sense can still be of great help. With the salary cap space they have, the Red Wings could take up his deal without needing the Devils to retain any portion of the salary.
A return to the Carolina Hurricanes could be another scenario to consider. Hamilton had a few of his most fruitful seasons in Carolina, and knowing the system could mean he would have a smooth transition. The Hurricanes are still in the race for the playoffs, and if they think he can make their defense stronger through the playoffs, they are in a position to take over his salary.
The San Jose Sharks embody a conspicuous situation of sorts. Previously, Sportsnet's handy Friedman reported that Hamilton annulled a trade to San Jose in the summer. However, the Sharks have progressed through this season and are still a playoff molecule. The incorporation of a veteran like Hamilton could bring not just stability but also leadership for the team's growing roster.

Given Hamilton's willingness to change places and his improved performance, a deal increasingly seems to be the case. The question now is which franchise would dare to take that risk, and if New Jersey could spot the right player/s to make it worthwhile.



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