NHL Trade Rumors: Dougie Hamilton’s future in doubt as Devils quietly seek trade partners

The New Jersey Devils may be preparing for a major shake-up on their blue line, with reports indicating the team is actively exploring trade possibilities for veteran defenseman Dougie Hamilton. The 32-year-old still has three years remaining on his seven-year, $63 million contract, which now includes a modified no-movement clause that could make him more moveable than before.NHL insider Elliotte Friedman broke the story during Sunday’s episode of 32 Thoughts, revealing that Dougie Hamilton’s name is “kind of out there” in trade circles. The Devils, according to Friedman, have already initiated conversations with a few teams.“The next biggest question for the Devils is Dougie Hamilton. He went from a full no move clause to a partial no trade,” Friedman said. “I’m curious to see what happens. I don’t have a great feel for it, in terms of percentage chances that anything occurs with him, but I know that his name was kind of out there a little bit and I had heard that they had been talking to a couple of teams.”Hamilton’s modified clause now allows the Devils to trade him to 22 of 32 teams—offering considerably more flexibility than before. This adjustment will remain in place through the 2027–28 season.Last season, Hamilton played 64 regular-season games, notching 9 goals and 31 assists for 40 points while posting a +8 rating. In the playoffs, he registered two assists in five games, logging over 25 minutes per night and peaking at 31:16 of ice time in Game 3 against Carolina. Despite his efforts, the Devils exited the postseason in five games.With his high cap hit of $9 million annually, the Devils may be looking to reallocate resources or adjust their defensive core as they continue to fine-tune their roster. Meanwhile, they’ve extended goalie Jake Allen and added forwards Connor Brown, Evgenii Dadonov, and Cody Glass—moves that indicate New Jersey is quietly restructuring for both immediate impact and future flexibility.Also Read: NHL Trade Rumors: Penguins face pressure to trade Rickard Rakell despite strong 70-point seasonIf a trade partner emerges willing to absorb Hamilton’s contract and value his elite puck-moving skillset, the Devils might just pull the trigger.