Key Takeaways
- The New Jersey Devils continue to get trade calls on defenseman Dougie Hamilton.
- However, sources told RG that he isn't expected to be moved anytime soon.
- The Red Wings, Mammoth, Maple Leafs, and Stars are among the teams interested in Hamilton.
Dougie Hamilton (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
With his full no-movement clause becoming a ten-team modified no-trade clause on July 1, New Jersey Devils defenseman Dougie Hamilton has become the topic du jour in NHL trade rumors.
“Teams are calling on [Hamilton] now,” an NHL executive source told RG media recently. “I heard the Leafs looked into him. They’re looking into multiple options for their blue line, and a lot of them have offensive flair. That’s their strength, so there’s a common thread with their trade targets right now, and Hamilton fits the bill.”
As for other potential Hamilton trade suitors, the source had this to say:
“The Stars, Red Wings, and Mammoth have also been pushing hard to acquire a right-shot defenseman that can bolster their offense and improve their power play, so they make a ton of sense.”
However, while teams may be inquiring about Hamilton on the NHL trade market, another NHL executive source cautioned not to expect the 32-year-old, 6-foot-6, 229-pound, slick-moving defenseman to be traded anytime soon.
“Look, things as we know can change really fast in the NHL and with trade talks; all it takes is one call and voila! But there are a few things to consider here when it comes to Hamilton,” the source pointed out.
“First is how many of those teams are willing to and can take on his $9 million cap hit? The second thing is that the Devils aren’t out there shopping him right now, and by no means are they in a hurry to trade him. Don’t forget, Jonathan Kovacevic is coming off of knee surgery, and as far as I know, he’s probably not coming back until late November/early December.
So, they’re now already down a veteran D-man on the right side. Yeah, they have guys coming and when healthy, there’s probably not enough room for everyone, so obviously, teams will inquire, but this is the situation right now.
Then, they’re limited to 21 teams because of the ten-team list. What if the best possible returns are from one of the teams on the no-trade list he submitted? They’re not just going to trade him to trade him or because of a numbers game in the lineup.”
Hamilton’s $9 million cap hit the source referenced, is in effect for three more seasons as part of a seven-year, $63 million contract Hamilton signed with the Devils back on July 28, 2021. Hamilton was just paid a $10.55 million bonus on July 1. Hamilton is also set to be paid $1 million in actual salary this season and next season. He has a $7.4 million bonus coming to him on July 1, 2026, and $5.25 million in salary in the final year of his contract, with no bonus payment.
Hamilton, who was drafted ninth overall by the Boston Bruins in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, had nine goals and 31 assists in 64 games. His best season came in his second season with the Devils when he had 22 goals and 52 assists in 82 games in the 2022-23 regular season.
