Devils Predicted to Trade Dougie Hamilton to West Powerhouse

One name that has been mentioned around the trade block recently is star defender Dougie Hamilton of the New Jersey Devils. As New Jersey plans for the future, the team has discussed Hamilton in different deals around the league.

Due to his large contract, the Devils may have a hard time moving him. But his impact on a team shouldn't be overstated, and some teams could net a very solid player.

NHL writer Adam Gretz of Bleacher Report put together a list of potential landing spots for Hamilton if the Devils were to trade him. The Dallas Stars made the list and could be one of the better options for the star defender.

"From a pure hockey standpoint this would be a perfect match. Hamilton plays on the right side, and Dallas has a black hole of talent on the right side of its defense. All of Dallas' best defenders (Miro Heiskanen, Esa Lindell and Thomas Harley) are left-handed and any of them could use a right-handed complement.

"Dallas is in a win-now mode and looking to get back over the top in the Western Conference, so a big addition like Hamilton could do wonders for them," Gretz wrote.

Hamilton could thrive in Dallas alongside the other star players on the roster, and he could be the missing piece for this team. The Stars have reached the Western Conference Final two straight years, but they fell short each time.

Dallas has dreams of winning a Stanley Cup with this core in place, but they seem to be a piece short. Adding in a defenseman like Hamilton could push them over the hump in the Western Conference.

Last season, Hamilton scored nine goals and 31 assists for the Devils. His ability to play both ends of the ice could bring a new dimension to this Stars team and it could be a mutually beneficial pairing.

The Devils would likely ask for a lot to trade Hamilton, but the Stars could be willing to pay it as they go after a title.