The situation between the New Jersey Devils and veteran defenseman Dougie Hamilton has reached a tipping point. After being a healthy scratch in Sunday’s matchup against the Winnipeg Jets, it’s clear the once-strong partnership is nearing its end.
Hamilton’s agent, J.P. Barry, has confirmed that the 30-year-old blueliner is open to waiving elements of his trade protection to facilitate a move.
That’s caught the attention of several teams around the league.
Of course, Hamilton’s $9 million cap hit complicates things. It’s not easy to move that kind of salary midseason, especially with most contenders already pressed against the ceiling.
Still, there are a few teams with both the need and the means to make it work - and the motivation to do so. Let’s take a closer look at three clubs that could be serious players in the Dougie Hamilton sweepstakes.
Toronto Maple Leafs: A Potential Homecoming
The idea of Hamilton returning to his hometown has gained serious traction in recent days. With right-shot defenseman Chris Tanev sidelined again, Toronto suddenly finds itself thin on the right side.
And when a team with Stanley Cup aspirations has a hole like that, it tends to act fast. According to reports, the Maple Leafs have already expressed interest in acquiring Hamilton.
There’s an intriguing wrinkle here: Toronto was previously on Hamilton’s no-trade list, but that’s reportedly no longer a barrier. The bigger issue is the money.
With a $9 million cap hit, the Leafs would almost certainly need the Devils to retain salary or take back a contract - someone like Calle Järnkrok, for instance - to make the numbers work. But if the Leafs are serious about making a deep playoff push, adding a proven top-pairing defenseman like Hamilton could be the kind of bold move that changes their postseason fortunes.
San Jose Sharks: Reigniting an Old Flame
The Sharks made a strong push for Hamilton over the summer, but the deal fell through when he invoked his no-move clause. Since then, the picture in San Jose has shifted dramatically.
Rookie phenom Macklin Celebrini has injected new life into the franchise, and the Sharks are suddenly back in the playoff hunt. That kind of momentum can change a player’s perspective - and according to NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, Hamilton may now be open to revisiting the idea of heading west.
From a financial standpoint, San Jose is in a great position. They have the cap space to absorb Hamilton’s full contract without needing New Jersey to retain a dime.
That’s a big plus for the Devils, who are looking to clear cap room and open up a roster spot. For Hamilton, it could be a chance to join a team on the rise and take on a leadership role as the Sharks continue to build around their young core.
Utah Mammoth: A New Market, A New Opportunity
Keep an eye on the Utah Mammoth. They might not be the first team that comes to mind in a trade like this, but they’re quietly positioning themselves as a legitimate dark horse. In just their second season, the Mammoth are hungry to make a splash - and they’ve got the cap flexibility to take on Hamilton’s full deal without asking the Devils to retain salary.
Utah is looking for a high-end offensive defenseman to quarterback the power play and help guide their young roster. Hamilton fits that bill perfectly.
He’s still capable of producing at a high level when given the right role, and Utah can offer him something few other teams can: a chance to be the guy. For a player looking to reestablish himself as one of the league’s elite blueliners, that opportunity could be exactly what he needs.
At this point, it’s not a question of if Dougie Hamilton will be traded - it’s a matter of when and where. The Devils are clearly ready to move on, and Hamilton’s camp appears just as ready for a fresh start.
The only thing left to determine is which team steps up with the right combination of assets and cap space to get a deal done. One thing’s for sure: wherever Hamilton lands, he’s going to have a major impact.