Top insider links $72M defenseman to the Maple Leafs
Photo credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
Per Toronto Maple Leafs analyst James Mirtle, defenseman Dougie Hamilton, who is reportedly on the trade block with the New Jersey Devils, could be a fit in Toronto.
One of the most talked about players in the National Hockey League today involved in trade rumours is defenseman Dougie Hamilton, currently with the New Jersey Devils.
Hamilton still has two years left with an AAV (average annual value) of $9 million left on his contract, which could scare away potential suitors.
But per analyst James Myrtle, the Toronto Maple Leafs, who have been shorthanded almost the entire year on the blue line because of an injury to Chris Tanev, could potentially be a fit for Hamilton.
I was told by a league source that this was highly unlikely in mid-January, but call me stubborn: There’s a good fit here, should the Devils decide to sell low on the big right-shot defenseman.
The retooling Leafs need to remake their defense to have more of a playmaking element, and with Chris Tanev (injuries) and Morgan Rielly (underperformance) both having cloudy futures in Toronto, there are going to be cap dollars and big minutes available. - James Mirtle
The retooling Leafs need to remake their defense to have more of a playmaking element, and with Chris Tanev (injuries) and Morgan Rielly (underperformance) both having cloudy futures in Toronto, there are going to be cap dollars and big minutes available. - James Mirtle
Mirtle then said it's time for Leafs GM Brad Treliving to start taking some major swings, and that acquiring Hamilton from the Devils fits that bill.
The Leafs are going to have to get a lot bolder and take some chances to right the ship next season; swinging hard on an oft-injured $9 million reclamation project qualifies. - James Mirtle
So far this year, Hamilton has 21 points (7G, 14A) in 52 games played.
Dougie Hamilton Is On The Trade Block With The Devils
Hamilton, who has played for multiple teams in his NHL career including the Boston Bruins, Carolina Hurricanes and Calgary Flames, is known more as an offensive-minded defenseman.
But his defensive qualities have been called into question, especially in recent years.
In his entire NHL career, he has 522 points (158G, 364A) in 887 career games.
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| POLL | ||
FEVRIER 12|285 ANSWERS Top insider links $72M defenseman to the Maple Leafs Is Dougie Hamilton a good fit with the Maple Leafs? | ||
| Yes | 124 | 43.5 % |
| No | 161 | 56.5 % |
| List of polls | ||