Devils' Dougie Hamilton Rejected Offseason Trade
The New Jersey Devils have been trying to trade Dougie Hamilton for months, and haven't had any luck thanks to Hamilton getting involved in the process.
The right-handed defenceman has a 10-team trade list and used his control last offseason, denying a deal that would have sent him to the San Jose Sharks. The ironic part is the Sharks are one of the biggest surprises this season and sit in a playoff spot, so Sportnet's Elliotte Friedman wonders if the talks will continue.
Elliotte Friedman: Re Dougie Hamilton: In the summer San Jose did try to trade for him, and Hamilton blocked that move; the way it's going now for the Sharks maybe he changes his mind - Saturday Headlines (1/10)
From Dougie Hamilton, to the Ottawa Senators, @FriedgeHNIC has the latest Saturday Headlines 📰 pic.twitter.com/M97J9g4AcN
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) January 11, 2026
Hamilton was made aware he'll be a healthy scratch on Sunday as the Devils take on the Winnipeg Jets. He's had a down season with just 10 points in 40 games, but his agent is furious that he's not in the lineup, calling it a business decision by the team.
Devils' GM Tom Fitzgerald tried to include Hamilton in an offer for Quinn Hughes, but the Canucks preferred a left-handed defenceman instead on a much cheaper contract. Hamilton is owed $9 million AAV for two more seasons, and it wouldn't be shocking to see the Devils have to retain a small portion of what's remaining on his deal.
Photo credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images
