It’s time for another round of NHL rumours. We’re in the dog days of summer, but that doesn’t mean that the rumours have stopped. Teams have already made most of their signings, but that has given way to trade chatter. There have been a few trades made, but some others could be in the offing before training camp starts. Clubs are trying to get better, but they might have to make some hard choices.
One team that might be making a deal is the New Jersey Devils. This edition of NHL rumours deals with how an important defenceman could be on the trade block.
All NHL rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
New Jersey Devils Defender Could Become Trade Chip
Rumour: Sportsnet’s Nick Kypreos released his latest edition of his big trade board. Devils defenceman Dougie Hamilton shows on that list.
Analysis: It was just a couple of seasons ago when Hamilton played all 82 games. He recorded 74 points and was a top-six vote-getter for the Norris Trophy. It looked like New Jersey had found a cornerstone on its backend.
However, injuries have really kept him off the ice the last couple of seasons. Hamilton has only played in 84 games across the last couple of seasons. The veteran defenceman suffered a lower-body injury in March and he was out of the lineup until the last game of the regular season.
Hamilton currently carries a salary cap hit $9 million for the next three seasons. The Toronto native takes up a good portion of the Devils’ cap and the team is not content with just making the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Getting rid of some of Hamilton’s cap hit would go a long way to helping general manager Tom Fitzgerald address some other needs on the roster.
What It Means
One thing that could complicate any potential trade is Hamilton’s no-trade list. The defender has a 10-team no-trade list and Fitzgerald would have to get creative in being able to find a dance partner.
One thing that could provide some more clarity is the impending Luke Hughes extension. Fitzgerald has said that it’s a top priority for him. The younger Hughes is a restricted free agent. However, he’s ineligible to be offer sheeted. It seems that Devils’ brass has all the power, but they’ll want to do right by him when it comes to this impending deal.
Once that deal is sorted out, it seems that New Jersey will try to move forward with possible trade talks for Hamilton. However, a trade seemingly makes sense for both sides. New Jersey can address another need while the veteran blueliner can get a fresh start in a new location.
The market is there for solid defenders like Hamilton that can chip in on the offensive end. Defencemen have done well in the free agent market and that could end up being a massive win for Fitzgerald and the Devils. Teams might be willing pay the price and New Jersey could get a nice haul for a solid defender.
Main photo by: John Jones-Imagn Images
The post NHL Rumours: Trade Market for New Jersey Devils D-Man appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.