NHL Rumors: Devils Attempted To Trade Two Players
The New Jersey Devils may not have landed Quinn Hughes, but they were clearly trying to create the flexibility to do something big.
Reports from ESPN’s Kevin Weekes indicate the Devils attempted to move both Dougie Hamilton and Ondrej Palat in recent trade discussions, a sign that general manager Tom Fitzgerald has been actively probing the market.
This wasn’t a one-off rumor either, as Elliotte Friedman suggested New Jersey had multiple potential deals derailed by trade protection clauses.
Dougie Hamilton trade chatter resurfaces in New Jersey
Hamilton’s name coming up again isn’t shocking, especially after similar noise surfaced over the summer. The 32-year-old defenseman carries a $9 million cap hit through the 2027–28 season, along with a no-movement clause and a limited trade list, which narrows the field considerably.
His on-ice value has also taken a hit, as he’s on pace for his lowest point total in a healthy season since his rookie year, and injuries have limited his availability over the past three seasons. Still, Hamilton remains a right-shot defenseman with legitimate puck-moving ability and power-play upside, which gives him more theoretical appeal than most contracts in this situation.
Dougie Hamilton and Ondřej Palát are among names that have been discussed in potential trade scenarios with the New Jersey Devils, according to @KevinWeekes. pic.twitter.com/5PMqXmJLjO
— Rono (@RonoAnalyst) December 15, 2025
If the Devils were serious about clearing salary for a major addition, Hamilton is one of the few names that could at least spark conversations, even if the return would be modest.
Ondrej Palat contract makes Devils trade even tougher
Palat’s situation is even more restrictive. The 34-year-old winger has the same no-movement protection as Hamilton and carries a $6 million cap hit through next season, all while his production has declined sharply.
He’s tracking toward the lowest scoring output of his career, and teams looking for cap efficiency are unlikely to view that contract as an easy fit. While Palat brings playoff experience and a reputation as a reliable two-way winger, the reality is that any team taking him on would likely need incentive just to absorb the deal.
I’m a firm believer that the mediocre year we’re seeing from Dougie Hamilton is a direct result of Tom Fitzgerald asking him to waive his NMC outside of his 10 team list.
— Mr. White (@MrWhite1079) December 15, 2025
Fitz found a way to handcuff himself & poison his own locker room. #NJDevils
pic.twitter.com/aIhph79bAu
That’s the kind of transaction that becomes more realistic closer to the deadline, when desperation rises and cap gymnastics become more creative.
Fitzgerald’s willingness to discuss Hamilton and Palat suggests the organization knows standing still isn’t an option, especially as injuries pile up and the team slips in the standings.
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