Dougie Hamilton blocks trade offer as rumours explode

Dougie Hamilton’s future with the New Jersey Devils remains very much up in the air, but the veteran defenseman holds significant control over how, or if, a trade unfolds ahead of the deadline.

According to Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman, Hamilton has already exercised his trade protection once and could do so again as the Devils continue to shop the 32-year-old blue liner.

“He blocked the one move, we now know, to San Jose,” Friedman revealed on the 32 Thoughts podcast. “We’ll see how anybody feels about circling back.”

Hamilton, who has two years remaining on his contract at $9 million per season and a list of 10 teams he can be traded to without his permission, has been at the center of mounting speculation in recent weeks. Despite the Devils’ ongoing efforts to find a workable trade scenario, his contract remain major complicating factors.

Friedman added that New Jersey is still focused on finding a resolution, with both the Toronto Maple Leafs and Carolina Hurricanes viewed as potential fits. A move to Toronto, in particular, would make sense given the Leafs’ need for blue-line help with Chris Tanev sidelined long-term due to a groin injury that could require surgery.

That said, a deal would be far from simple. The Maple Leafs would almost certainly need New Jersey to retain salary, and there are questions about whether Toronto would be willing to part with key prospects such as Ben Danford or Easton Cowan. Hamilton, for his part, could also decide to block a move altogether.

With the deadline approaching, Hamilton’s trade clause may ultimately be the biggest factor in determining where this saga goes next.