Red Wings Predicted to Trade For Devils' Dougie Hamilton

The Detroit Red Wings have seen better days as an organization. Detroit is one of the more historic franchises in the NHL, but the team hasn't qualified for the playoffs since the 2015-16 season.

It has been a decade of disappointment in Detroit, and something needs to change quickly. General manager Steve Yzerman has been at the helm for multiple years now, and he has nothing to show for it.

The Red Wings have some nice, young players on the roster, but the youth isn't going to help them contend for a playoff spot. This team needs a big move and some more veteran leadership.

One name that could make sense for Detroit is star defender Dougie Hamilton of the New Jersey Devils. New Jersey has been rumored to be putting Hamilton into trade talks, and the Red Wings should fully take advantage.

NHL writer Adam Gretz of Bleacher Report listed the Red Wings as a landing spot, linking the two sides.

"They need more help offensively and defensively, and Hamilton could help satisfy both needs. They also have more than $12 million in cap space and could fit in Hamilton's remaining contract without having to do much else or get too creative...Hamilton would be a perfect player to go after if the Devils are seriously willing to listen or shop him," Gretz wrote.

The former first-round draft pick could heavily increase the Red Wings' production from the blueline. Hamilton is a strong offensive player on the defensive front, and he could be the perfect fit for this team.

Last season with the Devils, Hamilton scored nine goals and 31 assists. Adding an established player like this could help this Red Wings team truly compete for the postseason, while giving them more credibility.

The front office may need to take some risks if it wants to avoid missing the playoffs once again. This could be exactly the type of move to help this team move forward, while also saving the front office jobs in the process.