The Utah Mammoth have joined the list of teams showing interest in Devils defenseman Dougie Hamilton. With Hamilton's full no-movement clause and a 10-team trade list, any deal would require his approval.
This clause has already blocked a potential move to the Sharks last summer. However, Hamilton's agent is actively exploring options beyond his preferred destinations, though the market hasn't been overwhelmingly enthusiastic.
The Maple Leafs showed some interest, but their recent struggles likely take them out of the running, especially given Hamilton's hefty $9 million cap hit. San Jose remains somewhat interested, but it's unclear if Hamilton would now consider a move there.
Hamilton's contract, while expensive, only has two years left, making him an unrestricted free agent in 2028. This setup might deter some playoff contenders, especially if the Devils are unwilling to retain salary. However, a team like Utah, with ample cap space and no major restricted free agent negotiations looming until after Hamilton's contract ends, could find this appealing.
Trade discussions had slowed after Luke Hughes' shoulder injury took him out of New Jersey’s lineup. But with Hughes nearing a return and the Devils out of playoff contention, they might be more open to revisiting talks.
Hamilton has stepped up as New Jersey’s top power-play quarterback in Hughes’ absence, posting a 2-5-7 scoring line in his last 10 games. Although the Devils hope this boosts his trade value, his 22 points in 54 games mark his lowest offensive output in over a decade.
Hamilton’s declining numbers are concerning for a defenseman over 30 whose offensive skills have been his main draw. Yet, his past consistency is notable.
From 2014 to 2025, he averaged 16 goals and 52 points per 82 games, finishing in the top 10 for Norris Trophy voting four times. Since a pectoral injury in the 2023-24 season, his performance has dipped, and he hasn't been in award contention for three years.
For Utah, struggling with depth scoring and a weak power play, Hamilton could be a key addition as a proven power-play leader. Concerns about his defensive play might be mitigated by head coach Andre Tourigny’s system, which has excelled in possession control, leading in shot attempts and scoring chances at 5-on-5.
The acquisition cost for Hamilton might be relatively low, depending on the Devils’ urgency to offload his contract. Earlier in the season, when New Jersey was still in the playoff hunt, they might have accepted less to gain cap flexibility for new additions. While boosting cap space remains a long-term goal, it’s no longer an immediate concern with the Devils on a five-game losing streak and 13 points out of playoff contention.