NHL Trade Rumors: New Jersey Devils’ Dougie Hamilton and New York Rangers’ Artemi Panarin linked to deadline talks

The NHL trade rumors have really started to make a lot of noise, and the New Jersey Devils and New York Rangers have become the main focus of this speculation. Dougie Hamilton and Artemi Panarin, two of the biggest stars, are being talked about for different reasons; in both cases, their contracts and the timing of the trade are affecting everything. The trade deadline for March 6 is approaching, and the executives in the league are very keen to watch the situation closely.

The trade rumors have gotten a lot more interesting now, not only because of the players’ names but also because the teams are taking steps very cautiously. There is no panic at all, but sources from the league say there are talks going on. The teams are considering various factors like the trade clause, cap hits, and future planning as they deliberate over their options.

What’s really causing the hype around Dougie Hamilton and Artemi Panarin?

Dougie Hamilton’s future with the Devils has turned into a topic of discussion mainly due to his contract. The defenseman, who is 32 years old, has a $9 million cap hit that lasts until the 2027-28 season, and the insiders see it as a huge obstacle. It is said that the general manager of the Devils, Tom Fitzgerald, is on the phone all the time trying to find ways to ease the burden of a weak roster. Hamilton and the left-wing player Ondrej Palat, who is also getting $6 million a year and is under contract till next season, have been mentioned in these talks.
According to Pelletier LeBrun of The Athletic, Carolina Hurricanes and Toronto Maple Leafs might be the best choices for Hamilton. However, the Maple Leafs would only look into the trade if the New Jersey Devils were to cover part of the player's salary. Meanwhile, Carolina is in a position to pay for Hamilton's salary but has recently chosen goal-scoring wingers over defensemen.
The situation of Artemi Panarin in New York is asking for immediate resolution since the 34-year-old forward will turn into an unrestricted free agent next July, and as per the reports, he is not ready to negotiate on his $11.6 million annual salary. Adam Proteau of The Hockey News suggests the Rangers should quickly make a move if an extension is not feasible. Meanwhile, The Athletic’s Vincent Z. Mercogliano reports that the management is still assessing the market and that no query has been placed upon Panarin for him to give up his no-movement clause.

For the time being, both cases are still subject to changes. In the case of Hamilton’s hefty deal or Panarin’s questioned future, these speculations are more about taking turns than urgency, and it might be the very factor that shapes the coming days.

Also Read: Mitch Marner plays first game against Toronto Maple Leafs as a Vegas Golden Knight




Get the latest WPL 2026 updates including WPL teams, full WPL 2026 schedule, and live scores for Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, UP Warriorz, Gujarat Giants, and Delhi Capitals. Also check the latest WPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.