How will the New Jersey Devils approach Dougie Hamilton this offseason?
The New Jersey Devils have some roster decisions heading into the offseason. Besides hiring a President of Hockey Operations and a general manager, there are decisions to be made about who will help the team moving forward. Speculation about defender Dougie Hamilton will resume as he returns to the limelight.
NHL Rumors: Have Things Changed for Dougie Hamilton and the New Jersey Devils?
Last season, there were mixed reports about Hamilton and whether or not the Devils would move on from him. However, as reported, with injuries to Johnathan Kovacevic and another defenseman, and former GM Tom Fitzgerald looking to compete for a playoff spot, the Devils needed Hamilton.
While Hamilton’s $9 million was a minor issue in signing Luke Hughes to a seven-year, $9 million AAV deal, that deal could have been signed earlier, and Hamilton’s stuff would have been settled later. Once again, Hamilton had a modified no-trade clause, which was a 10-team roster, so he used it to his advantage.
It was part of the reason the Devils couldn’t free up money to acquire Quinn Hughes. Well, that’s the problem you get after that. Regardless, New Jersey saw fit to scratch him healthy on January 11. That was a play to force him to waive his no-trade clause to make a deal, not a bad performance. It was a slippery slope that could have consequences going forward.
Since then, Hamilton has 25 points in 32 games, including 13 points in the first 16 games back in the lineup. Once again, speculation rose for Hamilton’s final time, but nothing came of it. It depends on who you want to believe about whether he was available.
NHL Rumors: New Jersey Devils Want To Make Dougie Hamilton Trade Makes Sense
During an appearance on “The Point” on Sirius XM NHL Network Radio with Jake Hahn and Victoria Matiash. Jim Biringer of NHLRumors.com, Full Press Media, and DevilsNation.com was asked about the future of New Jersey Devils defenseman Dougie Hamilton and whether he will opt out of his contract with the team or be traded.
Writing for NHLRumors.com
Victoria Matiash: “We’re joined by Jim Biringer, who is a writer for Full Press NHL, who covers the Devils, but also just covers everything hockey. One last one, Jim from me on the Devils, and we’ll move on to the other teams that will see playoff action. Two years from now, 2028, is Dougie Hamilton gone, or is he gone?”
Jim Biringer: “I think he’s going to be moved. I wouldn’t be shocked if he moves this summer. Let’s be honest. Like everybody talked about last summer. I think July 1 comes, you pay the signing bonus, and you’re very attractive, right? The real money is under $10 million, right? Like teams, teams are going to want to bring them, if they come out, bonuses they’re going to want to bring them, and the bonus is gone. They’re going to go from there.
Do they have a new coach? Again, there are many questions. Again, there is not enough time, because I don’t want to steal Kooli’s (Steve Kouleas) time.”
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And, with a final $7.4 million signing bonus due on July 1, 2026, plus $1 million in real money this season, and $5.25 million in real money in the final year of 2027-28, it’s easy to move and very attractive.
It will be interesting to see what side the New Jersey Devils decide to go with Dougie Hamilton. However, it is unlikely that he will finish his career in Jersey.
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