Dougie Hamilton’s brief return to the New Jersey Devils lineup after a good scratch this weekend hasn’t changed the trajectory of his situation according to league insiders. Interest in the veteran defenseman has increased since he was benched against the Winnipeg Jets and the Devils are reportedly focused on finding a trade solution ahead of the Feb. 4 Olympic trade freeze.
Teams exploring Hamilton include the Carolina Hurricanes, valued at around $2 billion by Forbes, and the Toronto Maple Leafs, according to NHL insider Pierre LeBrun.
“Dougie Hamilton surprisingly returned to the lineup after one game as a scratch, but that doesn’t change the likely direction of his situation. All parties involved are still focused on finding a trade resolution,” he reported.
Hamilton has two years left on his deal at a $9 million cap hit, making everything trade complex.
“The Carolina Hurricanes and Toronto Maple Leafs are among the potential candidates… It is believed that the Maple Leafs will not make a deal unless the Devils make a significant retainer. Obviously other teams are also interested,” he added.
Before a Hamilton trade can happen, the Devils are reportedly prioritizing cap flexibility with veteran winger Ondrej Palat on the move and his $6 million cap hit at the top of the list. Further complicating matters is Palat’s amended no-trade clause, which limits him to a 10-team “yes” list.
On the ice, Hamilton has maintained respectable production, recording five goals and eight assists with a minus-three rating in 42 games this season. Despite the uncertainty off the ice, he remains a proven top-four defenseman capable of playing heavy minutes in critical situations.
Craig Button goes all-in on possible Dougie Hamilton trade to Maple Leafs
Earlier this week, former NHL general manager Craig Button weighed in on veteran defenseman Dougie Hamilton’s situation, suggesting the Toronto Maple Leafs could be an ideal landing spot. Hamilton previously played under Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving when Treliving was GM of the Calgary Flames, which adds a layer of familiarity that could factor into potential trade discussions.
Speaking to The Leafs Nation, Button strongly supported Hamilton as an ideal fit for Toronto.
“I think Dougie Hamilton is a very good player. I think he’s being vilified in a way that in many ways is unfair,” he said.
“In a roundabout way, I mean, you’ve got to make the money work and everything, but do I think Dougie Hamilton would be a good fit for the Toronto Maple Leafs? Definitely, yes. He’s exactly the type of guy they could use.”
Button also noted that Hamilton’s style of play and presence could complement Toronto’s current defensive corps, particularly in high-leverage and shorthanded situations.
Edited by Anjum Rajonno
