Family Ties That Tease Next Moves for Oilers, Canucks, Senators, Maple Leafs, and Devils

When teams pursue a player—whether via trade or free agency—they’re often searching for a “unique selling point,” something that sets them apart from the rest of the league. That draw can take many forms: location, contender status, tax advantages, or even personal comfort.

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This summer, several situations around the NHL could see family connections play a meaningful role in a player’s decision-making process. In some cases, it may influence a player to target a specific destination; in others, it might simply add to the appeal of joining a particular team. Either way, expect plenty of chatter around these scenarios where family ties could factor into the outcome.

Dougie Hamilton to Toronto

In late May, the Toronto Maple Leafs made two new front-office hires. They brought in Judd Brackett as an assistant GM. They also hired Freddie Hamilton as the team’s Chief of Staff. The latter just so happens to be related to Dougie Hamilton of the New Jersey Devils. Freddie is Dougie’s brother.

The ink is intriguing because the Maple Leafs are reportedly looking for a blue-line upgrade. If they are targeting Dougie Hamilton — and his name has been linked to Toronto before — Freddie makes the jump a bit more appealing. If the Devils new GM, Sunny Mehta, is open to trading Dougie and the cost isn’t too ridiculous, expect Toronto and their new GM, John Chayka, to consider it.

Caleb Malhotra to Vancouver

With the Vancouver Canucks hiring Manny Malhotra as their new head coach, none of us should be shocked if the Canucks are hoping to draft his son, Caleb, with the No. 3 overall pick. Some wondered if the Manny hire was a direct hint that’s where the Canucks were leaning.

Now, this isn’t entirely in Vancouver’s control. The Toronto Maple Leafs and San Jose Sharks select before Vancouver does and either could pick Caleb. If they don’t, expect the Canucks to try and bring the father and son duo together.

Quinn Hughes To New Jersey

Part of the reason the Devils are open to moving on from Dougie Hamilton is to clear up his $9 million in cap space to make a big play. That play could be trading for or signing Quinn Hughes. Hughes hasn’t committed to the Minnesota Wild yet, and the draw to New Jersey seems obvious, given that both Jack and Luke Hughes play there.

Before Quinn was traded to the Wild, almost everyone assumed he was on his way to New Jersey. If Quinn doesn’t sign an extension (he’s got one more season on his current deal), the assumption will be because his intention is to move on.

Kirby Dach to Edmonton

This one is a bit more a reach, but the Montreal Canadiens will be looking to improve their roster this summer and that could mean moving out pieces they don’t believe are central to their core. As much as Kirby Dach has upside, his health is a concern and his status as a pending RFA suggests the Canadiens might move on.

Meanwhile, in Edmonton, the Oilers have Colton Dach. They added Kirby’s brother this past season and he’s become a bit of a fan favorite. They also need consistent scoring help and if Kirby is on the move, Edmonton might be appealing. Born in Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta, there’s already a connection to Edmonton. With Colton on the team, one would have to think the Oilers would be a top landing spot for Kirby.

Brady Tkachuk to Florida

Matthew Tkachuk and Brady Tkachuk are brothers and best friends. It’s hard to talk about one without talking about the other. They go to each other’s important games, they share a podcast together, and they’re constantly talked about as a duo that could and likely will wind up playing together.

It’s far more likely to happen in Florida, where Matthew plays, than in Ottawa, where Brady is. Rumors have surrounded Brady for some time. The team and the player continue to deny and desire to part ways, but the link continues to be made. Brady has two seasons left on his current deal. If he’s not traded, the talk he’ll leave in free agency will be everywhere. Florida makes the most sense and the Panthers are reportedly quite interested.

Next: NHL Trade Talk Recap: Maple Leafs, Canadiens & Oilers’ Nurse