Photo credit: Ed Mulholland-Imagn Images
A new development in the Quinn Hughes saga in Vancouver may lead the way for the Maple Leafs to pursue Dougie Hamilton and bring him in as their new #1 defenseman.There were reports earlier in the summer that the New Jersey Devils were potentially shopping defenseman Dougie Hamilton as they look to make some serious changes, or perhaps bring in a new #1 D-man to give them the edge in the Metropolitan Division.
The Maple Leafs were linked to him, and he would instantly improve a few of their shortcomings on the back end (mainly offensive help) but he might end up costing a lot.
How Quinn Hughes’ Future Could Indirectly Impact Toronto
However, a new report shows that the Devils are going to be trying hard to bring in Vancouver’s Quinn Hughes to reunite him with his brothers, which could leave the door open for the Maple Leafs.
The underlying elephant in the room is going to be Hughes’ future for a long time; we know New Jersey’s going to be trying to get him at some point.
Hughes has two years left on his $41.7-million deal, and is no doubt going to get a massive pay raise when he signs either an extension or tests free agency in 2027. The salary cap is going to skyrocket, and teams will be able to present some pretty lucrative offers that the Canucks might not be able to offer.
Why the Maple Leafs Should Keep an Eye on Dougie Hamilton
But if New Jersey is looking to replace Hamilton with Hughes, then perhaps the Maple Leafs would be able to get in on the action.
Brad Treliving needs to make a move somewhere, and what better way to inject some identity changes than by bringing in Hamilton? Toronto would definitely be in good hands with Hamilton, who can both shoot the puck and distribute; something Morgan Rielly has problems with (at least with the former).
What if Toronto were to dump Rielly and also be able to move him closer to home? There’s a scenario here where all three of the Leafs, Canucks, and Devils could all come home with a brand new defenseman.
It would be a monumental deal that would change the landscape of the NHL undoubtedly, and give each team exactly what they need.
The one issue is that Rielly has a no-movement clause, but with discussions about a potential deal already having happened, and Rielly being from BC; it might make sense in the long-run.
What This Means for Toronto’s Blue Line Strategy Moving Forward
Well, barring this blockbuster deal if the team were to acquire Hamilton then they can shift Rielly to the second pairing with Chris Tanev (who can provide some much needed defensive help).Or, if Craig Berube really wanted to he could stack the deck with Hamilton and Rielly on the first pair, shifting Brandon Carlo to the third line with Oliver Ekman-Larsson as Simon Benoit becomes a very, very good seventh defenseman.
It would also mean that Toronto would become a much more aggressive team from the blueline, as they have someone who can shoot at will, while also being able to play solid defense; think a modern day Kaberle and McCabe.
Hamilton, 31, had 40 points in 64 games for the Devils, is two seasons removed from a 22-goal season, and had a streak of seven straight seasons with 10+ goals.
So Brad Treliving needs to keep an eye on Quinn Hughes and if he will end up in New Jersey, because it might bring him the defenseman he truly needs.
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Unexpected Development May Boost Maple Leafs’ Chances of Adding Dougie Hamilton
Should Toronto go after Dougie Hamilton as their new #1 defenseman?