As the NHL trade deadline on March 6 creeps closer, the Toronto Maple Leafs find themselves at a familiar crossroads: balancing the urgency of the present with the vision for the future. It’s been an up-and-down 2025-26 campaign so far, and while nothing is off the table, one thing is clear - this team remains firmly committed to building around Auston Matthews and, likely, William Nylander.
That long-term focus means even if Toronto ends up moving pieces at the deadline, don’t be surprised if they’re also looking to buy. The name that keeps surfacing? Dougie Hamilton.
The veteran defenseman has been linked to the Leafs throughout the season, and while trade buzz has cooled in recent weeks, there’s still smoke around the idea that Toronto could be a landing spot if the New Jersey Devils decide to move on. According to league insiders, the Maple Leafs have already kicked the tires on a potential deal, though early talks reportedly hinged on New Jersey retaining a significant chunk of Hamilton’s $9 million cap hit - a sticking point, as you’d expect.
But circumstances may be shifting in Toronto’s favor.
Hamilton, now 32 and in the fifth year of a seven-year, $63 million deal, isn’t the same player he was when he signed as a marquee UFA in 2021 - but he’s still producing. Through 52 games this season, he’s posted 21 points (seven goals, 14 assists), with 12 of those (two goals, 10 assists) coming in the 13 games before the All-Star break.
Not bad for a player who’s battled injuries and inconsistency. What he brings - a big right-shot presence who can quarterback a power play - fills a need the Leafs haven’t truly addressed in years.
Toronto’s cap situation, once a significant hurdle, isn’t quite as tight as it used to be. With defenseman Chris Tanev likely done for the season, his salary could be shifted to LTIR, opening up valuable space. And if the Leafs decide to sell off a few contracts - think Brandon Carlo ($3.485 million), Calle Jarnkrok ($2.1 million), Bobby McMann ($1.35 million), or Nicolas Roy ($3 million) - they could carve out even more room to maneuver.
Now, don’t expect the Devils to retain half of Hamilton’s salary - that’s a tough ask. But if they’re willing to eat $1-2 million to help facilitate a deal, and if Toronto is willing to take on the bulk of the cap hit, there might be a workable path forward. For a team that’s light on premium draft picks and top-end prospects, this could be one of their better bets to add a difference-maker without mortgaging the future.
Of course, there’s risk involved. Hamilton hasn’t exactly been a model of durability, and committing to a $9 million AAV for a player with that kind of injury history is a gamble.
But this is the kind of swing Toronto may need to take. If GM Brad Treliving wants to reshape this blue line and give the core another real shot at a deep playoff run, this is the type of bold move that could pay off.
The Leafs aren’t just looking to sneak into the postseason - they’re trying to build something sustainable around their stars. And while adding a high-priced, high-upside defenseman like Hamilton won’t solve all their problems, it could be a major step toward stabilizing a back end that’s lacked identity.
Bottom line: if the price is right, and the money can be made to work, don’t be surprised if Dougie Hamilton ends up wearing blue and white before March 6.