4 Teams Showing Interest In Devils' Hamilton

The New Jersey Devils may be on a quick path to trading Dougie Hamilton as some noise has picked up. Not only is there talks about Quinn Hughes eventually finding his way to New Jersey with his two brothers, but Luke Hughes needing a new contract and able to take on the top power-play role.

The Devils are very fortunate that every player on their team other than Hamilton is signed for under $9 million AAV due to early extensions and those players exceeding expectations. While it doesn't make it extremely easy for the Devils to move Hamilton because of the $9 million AAV cap hit for three more years, it's rare to find a player like that who can be acquired. According to Jimmy Murphy, four teams have inquired about Hamilton.

Utah Mammoth

The Utah Mammoth are trying to make a push for the playoffs. They were close last season and traded away Michael Kesselring as part of the package to acquire JJ Peterka. The defense could use a little more work, but Hamilton would be a great addition for the final few years of his contract right as this team is expected to take that next step and compete. Acquiring him this offseason would give them three key years of contention, but their team is young and prospects are good, so the window won't close anytime soon.

Dallas Stars

The only way I could see the Dallas Stars making a move for Hamilton and being able to pull it off is if Jason Robertson was headed the other way. Contract talks are still unclear and he could reportedly want around $12 million AAV on his next deal. There was a lot of effort into making the forward group better this offseason for the Devils. The Stars really need the right side of their defense to be better. It could work for both sides and the money would work if both were willing.

Detroit Red Wings

The Detroit Red Wings need something to happen and trading for Hamilton could be just the piece that gets them into the playoffs finally. Moritz Seider isn't the power-play specialist that Hamilton is and there is cap space to get a move done. Everyone has been waiting for Steve Yzerman to do something as he has apparently tried and nobody chose Detroit as the place they wanted to go to. Hamilton does have a 10-team no-trade clause, so the Red Wings should hope they aren't on it.

Toronto Maple Leafs

The Toronto Maple Leafs have some cap space to use and a need for a defenseman who can thrive on the power play. The Devils have two of them with Hamilton and Hughes, but acquiring Hamilton would give Toronto exactly what they need on defense. Nick Robertson could be a piece heading the other way as he is still unsigned, but Max Domi, Calle Jarnkrok, and David Kampf have all been in trade rumors as well. I don't think any of them alone even make up a third of the value Hamilton will require to bring in.