NHL Trade Rumors: Surprising Team Emerging In Dougie Hamilton Trade Talks

The New Jersey Devils are expected to trade defenceman Dougie Hamilton before Friday's trade deadline and while the Carolina Hurricanes, Ottawa Senators and Toronto Maple Leafs have been heavily linked the past few weeks, it turns out there's a new team that could surprise, and come out on top.

Keep an eye on the Pittsburgh Penguins. Kyle Dubas long coveted Hamilton while he was running the Maple Leafs, and the idea to buy low on Hamilton at the moment is intriguing Dubas a lot. The Penguins could package a mid-level prospect, second-round pick and former Devils defenceman Ryan Graves in their trade offer. Graves hasn't worked out at all in Pittsburgh since leaving the Devils to sign a long-term contract, and heading back could be exactly what the doctor ordered for both sides.

The Penguins have boat loads of cap space to fit in Hamilton's $9 million cap hit the next few seasons. They also have Erik Karlsson who can play the left side if needed, but having Kris Letang, Hamilton and Karlsson on the right side of their blue line gives the Penguins some stellar depth.

The Penguins have surprised everyone this season and continue their strong play out of the Olympic break. They head into Tuesday's action with a 31-15-13 record, 7-1-2 in their last 10 and sit second in the Metropolitan Division.

Dubas won't be selling the farm for anyone outside of Vincent Trocheck or Robert Thomas, but adding Hamilton is rumored to be something the team is mulling over at the moment.

Dougie Hamilton Back to Carolina?🤔@wyshynski and @JeffMarek break down potential landing spots for Dougie Hamilton including the possibility of a reunion with the Hurricanes👀#CarolinaCulture pic.twitter.com/kmNkwGY0DI
— The Sheet with Jeff Marek (@thesheethockey) February 27, 2026