The New Jersey Devils did not make a splash move over the summer. However, there was continued speculation that this team would make some sort of significant move before the season. And most of the speculation revolved around veteran defenseman Dougie Hamilton.
Hamilton has emerged as one of the better offensive defensemen in the league. He is not too far removed from a career-high 22-goal, 74-point performance for the Devils, as well. However, he has struggled a bit with injury in recent seasons.
The Devils still need to re-sign Luke Hughes before the 2025-26 season. As a result, Hamilton’s name has entered the rumor mill. The veteran rearguard carries a cap hit of $9 million across the next three seasons. Moving this sort of cap hit would give New Jersey the money needed to re-sign Hughes.
Hamilton remained quiet about this situation until last week. Speaking with Ryan Novozinsky of NJ Advanced Media, the Devils star spoke about his approach to dealing with these rumors.
“I try not to see anything, but obviously people talk around you,” Hamilton said, via Novozinsky. “I’ve been part of it for a lot of years in my career. I’ve been traded twice and been on a few teams. So I control what I can and do my best.”
Dougie Hamilton Wants To Stay In New Jersey
Emilee Chinn/Getty ImagesThe New Jersey Devils hope Dougie Hamilton can have a significant impact on their offense in 2025-26.
Hamilton has spent parts of the last three seasons with the Devils. Though he has had some injury issues, the experience has been positive overall. The veteran defenseman signed a long-term contract with this team. And he hopes to see things through with the Devils.
“Yeah, for sure,” Hamilton when asked about staying in New Jersey, via Novozinsky. “I signed here for a reason, and I love being here. Our goal is to win the Stanley Cup here, and I want to keep trying to do that.”
New Jersey is looking to win the Stanley Cup sooner rather than later. Remaining competitive is of the utmost importance. Having a healthy Hamilton significantly boosts their chances of winning come time for the postseason.
“For me, I’m always working to try to get better,” the Devils star added. “It was a good summer to do that. Hopefully, we have a good season ahead.”
Devils Have Other Trade Candidates
Hamilton is not the only player who could be moved in a potential deal. Veteran forward Ondrej Palat stands out as one potential trade candidate. He is making $6 million per season for the next two seasons.
Palat, unfortunately, does not have the sort of trade value Hamilton does. He has Stanley Cup experience to his name. And his veteran presence could draw interest from certain teams. However, he has struggled performance-wise since joining New Jersey.
Palat is only one potential option, though. There are players in this lineup that could be deal to create the needed cap space. Only time will tell how the Devils approach this, and whether the roster remains untouched heading into 2025-26.
Devils’ Dougie Hamilton Breaks Silence On Summer Trade Buzz