NHL Trade Rumblings: Leafs Eye Dougie Hamilton, Devils Weigh Options on Palat as Deadline Nears
With the Olympic trade freeze looming on February 4, the NHL rumor mill is heating up-and the New Jersey Devils are right in the thick of it. Defenseman Dougie Hamilton and forward Ondrej Palat are two names drawing attention, and while neither move would be simple, both could shake up the playoff picture if the right deal comes along.
Let’s start with Hamilton. The veteran blueliner has two years remaining on his deal at a $9 million cap hit, and while that number is steep, there’s interest.
The Toronto Maple Leafs, still looking to stabilize their defense in the absence of Chris Tanev, are one of the teams that could be a fit-if the Devils are willing to retain some salary. That’s a big “if,” but it’s the kind of creative cap maneuvering that contenders often have to consider this time of year.
The Leafs aren’t alone. The Carolina Hurricanes have also been linked to Hamilton, who of course has history with the franchise. But again, salary retention is likely going to be part of any serious conversation, especially with the cap crunch many playoff-bound teams are facing.
Then there’s Ondrej Palat, whose $6 million cap hit for one more season makes him a tougher sell. The veteran winger has a 10-team no-trade list, limiting New Jersey’s flexibility.
Still, he brings playoff pedigree and two-way reliability-traits that could appeal to a contender looking for middle-six help. The challenge is finding the right match, both financially and logistically.
The bigger question for New Jersey is philosophical: with the team still in the playoff mix, do they hang onto their veterans as “own rentals,” or do they try to extract value now and risk shaking up the locker room? It’s a delicate balance, and they’re not alone in facing it.
Across the league, several teams in similar positions are weighing the same decision. Take Columbus, for instance.
Charlie Coyle is having a quietly strong season and comes with a $5.25 million cap hit. He’s got the kind of playoff experience that could be a real asset down the stretch.
Boone Jenner is another name to watch-he can slot in as a second-line center and brings leadership and grit. If Columbus decides to sell, Jenner could bring back a meaningful return.
Out west, San Jose’s Mario Ferraro is drawing attention. He’s not a top-pair guy, but he logs hard minutes and has emerged as a leader on a rebuilding Sharks team that’s still hanging around in the race. Whether they hold or sell could come down to how they perform over the next couple of weeks.
Anaheim is another team to monitor. Radko Gudas, the 36-year-old bruising defenseman, has seen his team slide lately.
If the Ducks’ freefall continues, Gudas could be on the move. More intriguingly, Jacob Trouba-also in Anaheim-would fetch a bigger return.
He has a 12-team no-trade list, but word is he’s enjoyed his time in Southern California and might be open to sticking around. Still, if the right offer comes in, Anaheim will have a decision to make.
Toronto could be in the seller’s seat too, depending on how the next few weeks go. Scott Laughton, who cost the Leafs a hefty price at last year’s deadline, has started to look like his old self again. If the Leafs stumble, teams could come calling-not just for Laughton, but possibly winger Bobby McMann as well.
The New York Islanders are in a similar spot. Jean-Gabriel Pageau and Anders Lee looked like potential trade chips earlier this season, but the team has outperformed expectations. Now, they may end up riding it out with both as own rentals, especially if they stay in the hunt.
The Rangers, meanwhile, are walking a tightrope. Artemi Panarin’s name has surfaced in rumors, and while it would take a massive return-think a first-round pick, a top prospect, and maybe even a young roster player-it’s not completely off the table. The Rangers still have enough talent to make a push, but if things slide, tough decisions could follow.
In Utah, Nick Schmaltz’s situation is one to watch. Talks on an extension haven’t gained traction, and while the Mammoth are right in the thick of the playoff race, the uncertainty around his future could force their hand.
And finally, in Buffalo, Alex Tuch is at the center of a major decision. The Sabres are in a playoff spot-a rare sight after 14 straight seasons without postseason hockey-and Tuch is looking for a big contract.
Trading him would be painful, but the return could be massive. It’s the kind of move that could define a franchise’s trajectory, one way or the other.
With the deadline approaching and the Olympic freeze just around the corner, front offices are being forced to make tough calls. Hold steady and risk losing players for nothing?
Or sell high and potentially disrupt a playoff push? The answers are coming soon-and they could reshape the stretch run across the NHL.