Things have quieted down in the NHL as the offseason hits its lull. However, the rumors continue to swirl surrounding Dougie Hamilton and the New Jersey Devils. Not to mention, the extension for Luke Hughes is still looming over the organization. But even with the release of the new schedule featuring Dougie Hamilton, many feel the Devils are taking calls on the right-shot defenseman.
?Devils Thought of the Day ?
Trading Dougie Hamilton is a Terrible Idea#njdevils pic.twitter.com/dFzEULHaqs
— Jim Biringer (@JimBiringer) July 6, 2025
However, these trade calls have not materialized, and the Devils do not intend to trade Hamilton. Nevertheless, since it is the silly season, there is a ton of speculation. According to reports, the teams interested in Hamilton include the Dallas Stars, Detroit Red Wings, Utah Mammoth, Toronto Maple Leafs, San Jose Sharks, Columbus Blue Jackets, and others.
If the Devils were to trade Hamilton, which they should not do and would not want to do, as DevilsNation.com has reported. But if they were taking calls on the defenseman with President and General Manager Tom Fitzgerald getting enticed by what he was hearing, one of the returns would be a right-shot defenseman. Even with Johnathan Kovacevic signed, he will be out of action until at least January, so they can’t rely on Simon Nemec and Seamus Casey. That type of piece would have to be included in the return.
NHL Rumors: Teams Are Calling the New Jersey Devils About Dougie Hamilton
We know the New Jersey Devils have been linked to Vancouver Canucks defenseman Quinn Hughes. But Quinn, like his brother Luke Hughes, is a left-shot defenseman. So, if the Devils were to trade Hamilton in a package to Vancouver for Quinn Hughes, the Devils would need to find someone to play the right side. So, do any of these teams make sense for the Devils to be trade partners with?
Detroit Red Wings
Let’s begin with Detroit. There have been some trade proposals thrown around, including Michael Rasmussen, Justin Holl, and a 2026 first-round pick. No disrespect to anyone out there, but this trade wouldn’t even get past the first phone call. The Devils, like most teams looking to trade with Detroit, will want guys like Marco Kasper or Simon Evidsson in return. They don’t want the J.T. Compher‘s or the Andrew Copp‘s of the world. Not to mention, why would Detroit risk giving up the chance to get Gavin McKenna next season? Detroit wants to make the playoffs, but will they? Unless something like Moritz Seider is coming back this deal isn’t happening—next team.
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Dallas Stars
Everyone views the Dallas Stars as an obvious trade partner due to Jason Robertson. But does Hamilton for Robertson happen one for one? Can the Stars take on a $9 million defenseman, and would the Devils be willing to pay Robertson more than Timo Meier and Jack Hughes? Are guys like Ilya Lyubushkin and Nils Lundkvist better options than Hamilton? While everyone likes to read fantasy books, there isn’t much here either.
Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs seem to be linked to everyone. But again, can they take on a $9 million defenseman? And before you say Morgan Rielly, he is a left-shot defenseman making $7.5 million a season. The Devils could sneak Nick Robertson in this deal, but what defenseman is coming back the other way? Plus, all this talk about the Leafs wanting to upgrade their defence is talk, as GM Brad Treliving is happy with the players he has. So another team off the board
Utah Mammoth
Utah is a little more intriguing than the bounce of the teams mentioned. Let’s get this out of the way first: John Marino is not coming back in any Dougie Hamilton trade. There was a reason Tom Fitzgerald flipped him on Day 2 of the 2024 NHL Draft. The other right-shot defenseman on Utah is Sean Durzi, along with Nick DeSimone. The best option is Durzi, who carries a $6 million cap hit because DeSimone was a waiver pickup for the Devils and isn’t coming back. Not to mention, Durzi’s modified no-trade protection does not kick in until July 1, 2026. The Devils might have to throw in something else or work a hockey trade if this scenario were to play out.
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Other Teams
The other teams mentioned are the San Jose Sharks and Columbus Blue Jackets. The Sharks lack a strong right-shot defence corps and are currently rebuilding. GM Mike Greier doesn’t want to touch what he is building. The Columbus Blue Jackets are in the Metropolitan Division and would have to pay a premium to acquire Hamilton if the Devils chose to trade within the division.
But Hamilton, like in all the scenarios, would have to waive his 10-team no-trade clause to go to a team that was on his list. Some of these teams could be on this list. Plus, what message does it send for a guy like Hamilton, who signed with the Devils in free agency, only to get traded when the GM came out and said guys want to play in New Jersey and want to be a part of something special that is being built there?
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It is not a good look and could deter players from wanting to go to New Jersey. Again, why deal from a position of weakness when the right side of the defence is not as strong as it was last year? Kovacevic is going to miss time this season and start the year on LTIR. Do we expect Nemec and Casey to punch above their weight class the whole year behind Brett Pesce? And who is replacing his production, and what does he bring to the team?
The best option is to keep Dougie Hamilton for this year, given the marching orders are to make the playoffs. None of these teams is a good trading partner. Hamilton gives the Devils the best chance to win. Expect him to be there on the opening night roster.
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