The New Jersey Devils reached the playoffs last season, but the team was bounced out in the first round. It was a disappointing end to the season for this team, but as they embark on the new year, New Jersey has hope for more success.
However, for much of the offseason, the Devils have been dealing with trade rumors around star defenseman Dougie Hamilton. Hamilton has three more seasons left on his current contract, and he is scheduled to make $9 million per year.
The team has wanted to get off the salary, and it could see them end up trading him. New Jersey has set a high asking price for the star, and so far, nothing has come about.
The Devils just signed star Luke Hughes to a massive extension, and it seems that this could have an impact on Hamilton. The team may not want to have multiple top defenders making such a large amount of money.
NHL insiders Chris Johnston and Peter Baugh of The Athletic gave an update on the status of the future of Hamilton with the Devils. It seems that the star defenseman isn't on the move right now, but that could change down the line.
"Hamilton’s future in New Jersey will also be worth monitoring. Though the Devils by no means need to trade him now, they might eventually not want to have two $9 million defensemen, especially when only one can run the top power play," wrote Johnston and Baugh.
Hamilton is still a very productive player, and he could help any team. Last season for New Jersey, Hamilton posted nine goals and 31 assists over 64 games played.
The impact that Hamilton can make on both ends can't be understated, and he could be a steal for a team. But whether he actually gets moved remains very up in the air at this point.
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