Value of: Dougie Hamilton

[HBK27]

Here's the issue...

Pesce was added last summer and seems to be in the medium-term plans. Kovacevic was JUST extended so is in the medium-term plans. Nemec or Casey or both are high quality prospects who will be in the NHL soon.

Even if you trade one of Nemec or Casey, that's 4 right handed D that should be playing every night. Nemec and Casey are waiver exempt for now, but won't be for all of Hamilton's contract.

2 guys are probably going, and Hamilton and one of the kids seems most logical. Hamilton within a year. The kid within 2 years.

Things could change with regards to Pesce or Kovacevic in 2 years though, I suppose. It could be both kids staying and one of Pesce / Kovacevic going (and Hamilton too).

This is the crux of the issue. Pesce and Kovacevic aren't going anywhere - one just signed as a UFA and the other just extended. If the Devils don't trade Hamilton, then Nemec is likely gone - hopefully traded for a young forward in a similar situation. Casey has a great attitude and could spend next season starting in the AHL to continue to work on his overall game and being the first injury call-up, then you re-evaluate the following offseason.

 

[Pinkfloyd]

Hamilton has a ten team trade list so he’d have to waive for San Jose. Knowing he’d be the #1 on defense for next year with Celebrini might make him consider it. I don’t know if anyone on his list would take him as a #1.

However, I can’t imagine the Sharks giving up much here. That Desharnais and a 5th would be an easy yes.

 

[fbuford]

Dougie Hamilton, in a 1 for 1 swap, for Morgan Rielly

1st pairing of Rielly - Hughes would be deadly

 

[lanceuppercut75]

Dougie Hamilton, in a 1 for 1 swap, for Morgan Rielly

1st pairing of Rielly - Hughes would be deadly

No.

Rielly is a better two-way guy (not great but better than Dougie) and cheaper and younger, and a lifelong Leaf who is potentially a future captain (maybe) if Matthews ever leaves.

Also, we FINALLY have two top 4 RHD in Tanev and Carlo. For once, we don't need to add a top 4 RHD. Feels good.

 

[Smitty426]

NJ should move Palat well before Hamilton. If need be move Haula also. Frees up the same cap space and NJ is a better team with Hamilton and no Palat and no Haula than with Palat and Haula and no Hamilton.

I am interested to see what those two do this year in the playoffs, but you're not wrong

 

[Zajacs Bowl Cut]

Who are they going to be spending his $9M on instead though, Brock Boeser?

Efficiency on a per-contract basis is obviously good, but it's very easy to forget that it's not about having the most efficient team, it's about having the best. Hamilton is much better than any other player(s) they'd be spending that money on

I'd much rather have two ~$4.5m middle 6 wingers that can produce over Hamilton at $9m playing 3rd pairing minutes at 5 on 5. We have Luke Hughes who is a) about to get paid himself and b) can run the PP competently himself.

I like the guy a lot, he seems to be a great guy and a really good teammate. But we need to better allocate his money elsewhere given the makeup of the roster.

 

[AfroThunder396]

I think most Devils fans would certainly prefer dumping Palat to free up space, the problem is he's bad and has negative value. NJ would have to add a sweetener for someone to take him.

Haula should also be easy to move, only 1 year left, but only frees up a little over 3M in space.

Hamilton is still a valuable player with plenty of juice left. Is he worth 9M? Depends on the team, their cap situation, and their needs. But your team is better with him than without him. NJ can move Hamilton and still get something back.

 

[Torts]

Hard contract to move. With this teams window I'd hope Fitz is looking at a way to keep him in the fold when back healthy.