3 Potential Trade Destinations for Devils' Dougie Hamilton

The New Jersey Devils have made some roster changes this summer, led by new general manager Sunny Mehta. While there really hasn't been a move that's been one to consider a blockbuster, turns out there could be one big trade coming before the start of next season.

Defenceman Dougie Hamilton continues to be the best Devils trade candidate heading into the 2026-27 season. Hamilton and the organization got on really bad terms last season, as was in and out of the lineup, and had his name involved in several trade conversations. The talks have not subsided, and if anything, they've picked up of late.

Hamilton, 33, has two seasons left on his contract at $9 million AAV. He owns a 10-team trade list, and has some serious say in the matter. Before the Toronto Maple Leafs signed Darren Raddysh, many in the industry felt Hamilton was heading to Toronto. There was also the Edmonton Oilers, and a potential swap for Darnell Nurse, but Nurse used his no-trade protection, and opened it up to just San Jose, his childhood team growing up.

Hamilton has now been linked to the Carolina Hurricanes, Philadelphia Flyers, and Columbus Blue Jackets. Each team continues to monitor the defensive market and the Hurricanes currently have $9.8 million in cap space, the Flyers have $14.8 and the Blue Jackets own $13.5 million.

Hamilton posted 39 points in 77 games last season, which was certainly a down year. He averaged 21:32 and played a ton, when he dressed, including on both sides of special teams. While he may not be in the prime of his career anymore, Hamilton is a top-four defenceman on a contending team, and the Devils won't be interested in giving him away for nothing.