As the NHL trade deadline creeps closer, the rumor mill is heating up-and the Carolina Hurricanes are once again in the thick of it. This time, the buzz centers around a familiar name: Dougie Hamilton.
During a recent segment of Insider Trading on TSN, Pierre LeBrun floated the Hurricanes-and the Toronto Maple Leafs-as potential landing spots for the New Jersey Devils defenseman. Emphasis on potential. There's nothing imminent here, but the fact that Hamilton’s name is back in circulation has certainly raised some eyebrows.
Hamilton’s situation in New Jersey has taken a turn in recent weeks. He was scratched last Saturday, and while his agent confirmed the Devils are exploring trade options, Hamilton returned to the lineup on Tuesday and made an immediate impact-racking up two assists in a win over the Minnesota Wild. Still, his production this season has been modest: five goals and 13 points through 42 games.
Hurricanes fans don’t need a refresher on what Hamilton brought to Raleigh the first time around. Acquired from Calgary during the 2018 NHL Draft, Hamilton helped fuel a franchise turnaround that culminated in Carolina’s return to the playoffs in 2019.
He made an immediate offensive impact, scoring a career-high 18 goals in his first season with the Canes and adding seven points in the postseason. He followed that up with a strong 2019-20 campaign before a leg injury cut things short-though the pandemic pause fortunately limited the long-term damage.
His best work came during the shortened 2020-21 season, where he finished fourth in Norris Trophy voting.
When contract talks didn’t lead to an extension in Carolina, Hamilton stayed in the division, signing a massive seven-year, $63 million deal with the Devils. After a rocky debut season in New Jersey, he bounced back in a big way in 2022-23, posting 22 goals and 74 points while finishing sixth in Norris voting. But injuries have taken a toll since then, and his numbers have dipped accordingly.
So, could a reunion with the Hurricanes be on the table?
It’s complicated. While there’s no denying the chemistry Hamilton once had with Jaccob Slavin and the offensive punch he brings from the blue line, the financial side of the equation is tough to ignore.
Hamilton carries a $9 million cap hit for two more seasons. Unless the Devils are willing to retain a significant chunk of that salary, it’s hard to see how Carolina fits him in under the cap.
Then there’s the roster math. The Hurricanes currently have just two right-shot defensemen-Sean Walker and Jalen Chatfield-on the roster, with Joel Nystrom knocking on the door.
On paper, Hamilton could slot in and shore up the right side, but it begs the question: who comes out of the lineup? Moving someone like Alexander Nikishin to make room would be a head-scratcher, to put it mildly.
Right now, this feels more like speculation than substance. It’s entirely possible that Carolina has at least kicked the tires on a Hamilton reunion-they know what he brings, and they’ve seen it up close. But with other needs likely taking priority, adding another high-priced offensive defenseman doesn’t seem to be at the top of the Hurricanes’ to-do list.
That said, in the NHL, things can change quickly. The trade deadline has a way of making teams reassess their plans.
While a Hamilton return to Raleigh isn’t likely at this point, the door isn’t completely shut. Just don’t expect it to swing open without some serious maneuvering.