The New Jersey Devils have stayed quiet this offseason, making only minor additions like Connor Brown and Evgenii Dadonov. But with limited cap space ($6 million), an unsigned Luke Hughes, and lingering forward needs, the team might explore bigger moves — and Dougie Hamilton has emerged as a possible trade candidate.
Hamilton, an elite right-shot defenseman when healthy, carries a $9 million cap hit and has missed significant time over the past two seasons. If New Jersey decides to part ways, here are five teams that could be potential fits:
1. Dallas Stars
Why it fits: Dallas desperately needs help on the right side of its blue line. Pairing Hamilton with a left-shot like Miro Heiskanen would be ideal.
The hurdle: Cap space — the Stars only have ~$1.9M available. A trade would require salary retention or a complex three-team deal, possibly involving another move (like Jason Robertson).
2. Detroit Red Wings
Why it fits: Detroit has over $12M in cap space and a pressing need to strengthen its defense. Hamilton adds both offense and stability.
Why it works: Yzerman missed out on top free agents. A trade for Hamilton could be the aggressive move the Wings need to break their playoff drought.
3. Toronto Maple Leafs
Why it fits: Even with Chris Tanev and Brandon Carlo on the right, the Leafs could still use a top-end blueliner to finally make a real Cup push.
The catch: Toronto would need to offload contracts (like Järnkrok or Kampf) to make room, but it's doable. Hamilton would instantly boost a shaky D-core.
4. Columbus Blue Jackets
Why it fits: Columbus has cap space and defensive issues. Adding Hamilton would fix both.
The risk: Would NJ trade him within the Metro Division? Still, the Blue Jackets need to swing bigger than just extending Provorov.
5. San Jose Sharks
Why it fits: With over $19M in cap room, the Sharks need to surround Macklin Celebrini with talent and spend to hit the floor.
Challenge: Would Hamilton waive his no-trade clause for a rebuilding team? If yes, San Jose has the picks and flexibility to make it work.
Final Thought:
Hamilton’s contract and injury history complicate things, but he remains one of the league’s best right-shot defensemen. If the Devils are serious about moving him, there are several teams that make sense — if the price and fit are right.
0 Comments