Dougie Hamilton trade talks come to standstill for one specific reason

The New Jersey Devils entered the 2025/26 campaign with Stanley Cup aspirations, but in recent times, the wheels have seemingly fallen off, with the team now sitting at 27-22-2 as they are now six points back of the final Wild Card spot.

That's led to plenty of trade rumours, and while they weren't able to land Quinn Hughes, this team is still looking to make a defensive move, with Dougie Hamilton reportedly on the trade block.

The overwhelming expectation has been that Hamilton will be dealt ahead of the 2026 trade deadline, but now, according to Elliotte Friedman on Hockey Night in Canada, one thing is holding that deal up.

That would be the recent injury to Luke Hughes, as Hamilton is now set to play a key role for the team moving forward, and according to Friedman, even if they get a massive offer, they may still need to think about it before making a deal.

In 46 games this season, Hamilton has posted 5 goals and 17 points along with a -4 differential, and given how he's struggled to be a difference maker like in years past, it makes sense that both sides are ready to move on.

Hughes is expected to return at some point, but given that he's been injury prone early in his NHL career, the team may look to hold on to Hamilton through the trade deadline, and while that can change, as of right now, it doesn't appear as though a trade is imminent.

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