New Jersey Devils
Could Former 70-Point Defenseman Be a Maple Leafs Trade Target?
Dougie Hamilton is back in the rumor mill, could the Maple Leafs make a play for him?
The Toronto Maple Leafs have been looking to shake up their roster for a while now, yet nothing has come close to fruition. Part of that can be attributed to a 6–3–3 stretch over their last 12 games, which has helped them climb back into the playoff mix, while injuries to a host of key contributors have also hindered their ability to make moves.
Still, when the right opportunity arises, Brad Treliving and company have to be aggressive and pursue it. As unlikely as it would have been, Quinn Hughes was one of those targets the Maple Leafs should have pushed all their chips in for. We, of course, know that Hughes is now off the board; however, another point-producing defenseman has recently emerged on the trade market: Dougie Hamilton.
ESPN insider Kevin Weekes reported on Monday morning that the New Jersey Devils have been discussing deals involving Hamilton, as well as Ondrej Palat.
The 32-year-old’s numbers have been down to start the season, with just eight points (four goals, four assists) through 29 games. Hamilton is in the fifth season of the seven-year, $63 million contract he signed to join the Devils as a UFA in 2021.
Related: NHL Stats Update: McDavid Soars, Draisaitl Surges, Leafs’ Stars Slump
Dougie Hamilton Could Be a Fit for the Maple Leafs
On the surface, Maple Leafs fans might be hesitant about Hamilton given his age, dip in production, and $9 million cap hit.
That’s understandable, but if Treliving truly wants to improve his roster, he’s going to have to get creative, so when a player that’s three years removed from a 74-point (22 goals, 52 assists) season becomes available, it’s worth kicking tires at the very least.
Hamilton is known for his offensive skill set, particularly his shot from the point and ability to quarterback a power play—exactly what the Maple Leafs have been lacking for years now.
Toronto has contracts like Max Domi ($3.75 million), Calle Jarnkrok ($2.1 million), Matias Maccelli ($3.425 million), and Brandon Carlo ($3.485 million), all of which are movable and can help facilitate a trade. Cap space will always be a challenge, but other teams around the league find ways to make it work, so the Maple Leafs can’t keep making excuses for why they’re unable to shake things up.
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