Big Developments on Dougie Hamilton Trade Talks

Dougie Hamilton, NJ Devils Defenseman carries the puck

Dougie Hamilton has been near the top of every NHL trade board in recent weeks, after the team's intention to move on from his $9 million cap hit was made clear. However, last week's injury to top d-man Luke Hughes, landing him on LTIR, has brought a significant development to Hamilton's situation.

Elliotte Friedman revealed on Hockey Night in Canada that trade talks for Hamilton have come to almost a screeching halt.

(Hughes) is going to be out for a little bit. And what that has done is bring the Dougie Hamilton derby to a crawl or a standstill. Now I don't think it's impossible (a trade happens), but I think if someone came to the Devils with something they couldn't say no to, they would do it. But at least, for the time being, the Devils need him. He's played very well, so it's slowed this down.

Hamilton's fate in New Jersey seemed to be a fait accompli a couple of weeks back after he was a healthy scratch for a game on January 11. His agent got involved, and said that they would consider expanding their 10-team trade list "to get to a team that is mutually acceptable."

Immediately, the Toronto Maple Leafs and a couple of Western Conference up-and-coming teams were installed as three of the teams in hot pursuit of the puck-moving d-man.

But since then, Hamilton has points in all six games (7 pts) since returning to the lineup, with a +3 rating.

Now, with Hughes out for at least 10 games, he'll be needed even more if the Devils have any hope of continuing their mini-resurgence and making a playoff push.