Does a Potential Dougie Hamilton Trade Make Sense?
The final week of the NHL season is upon us, and pretty soon, all fans will turn to the offseason. New Jersey is in serious need of being creative this summer to create cap space, so what exactly makes the most sense? After such an injury-filled season, numerous suggestions have already been discussed on how to make this Devils team more dangerous, but so many choices mean so many ways of going wrong. Though cutting some dead weight would make sense, as well as focusing more on depth, what are some choices in regards to clearing cap space? Regarding the new salary cap, a certain defenseman is currently taking up nine million AAV. Could moving on from him solve this problem?
New Jersey defenseman Dougie Hamilton has just made it through the fourth year of his seven-year contract. Time and time again, he’s proven to provide some more offense to New Jersey, though, is it safe to say his best days are behind him now? The Devils are currently in a tough spot with the $12 million they possess in cap space, plus Luke Hughes soon to be extended, as well as a new contract for Cody Glass. Nine million is pretty big, and with his offense at times making up for his defense, bringing the question up certainly wouldn’t hurt. Though this move is quite unlikely, coming off an injured season as they just did, every possible move for improvement shouldn’t be ignored. Now, let’s say they put Dougie Hamilton out there in the trade talks, who would be willing to make a deal?
Hamilton still has around $14.5 million left in his contract, so he’ll be pretty expensive. Return-wise, Hamilton should still have good value based on his past seasons, just now coming off a 40-point season despite injury. His game has certainly fallen off quite a bit when watching him now; it seems he just can’t click with Brenden Dillon. Dougie only has a 10-team no-trade clause, meaning plenty of options present themselves. Certain teams may also need a number one right-handed defenseman, meaning they’d certainly be willing to spend the money to get the missing pieces. Without Hamilton, though, how exactly is New Jersey looking on the right side?
No doubt, New Jersey faces a deadlock on the right. Players like Brett Pesce, Simon Nemec, and Johnathan Kovacevic are already on the roster, so is all this money for a right-handed defenseman really necessary? Based on how their short postseason went, a few of those other players look to be quite more valuable in the future, bringing the question of this trade up yet again. In the end, Dougie Hamilton is still a great Devil, definitely one of the best over the last few years as well, but when it makes complete sense to move on, can one argue? Fans will definitely be devastated to see the 31-year-old, but in the end, what’s best for the team for future success is what matters in the end.
