An unexpected Devils setback could complicate the Leafs’ plans to land Dougie Hamilton


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Oct 24, 2025; Newark, New Jersey, USA; New Jersey Devils defenseman Dougie Hamilton (7) celebrates his goal against the San Jose Sharks during the second period at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-Imagn Images

Photo credit: Ed Mulholland-Imagn Images

Unfortunately for the New Jersey Devils, Luke Hughes is out with an injury which might lead to them feeling hesitant about trading Dougie Hamilton this season.

Head coach Sheldon Keefe explained that Hughes would need further evaluation and that could mean he’ll be missing the next little bit of time though there is no definitive timeline of course.

New Jersey may now hold onto Dougie Hamilton amidst injury concerns

While it’s a terrible turn of events for the Devils, it’s even worse for the Maple Leafs because this means they may miss out on Dougie Hamilton.

If the Devils are going to be dealing with an injury concern with Hughes, and they’re already hesitant with other players like Simon Nemec and Jonathan Kovacevic suffering injuries previous.

If that does end up being the case, then Toronto will need to shift gears again and focus on adding someone else which frankly; might end up being the case anyways.

Toronto has to go cheap if they want to add this season

With a lack of assets to really spend, Toronto has to play it a little safer this season and perhaps go after someone like Luke Schenn; not flashy but gets the job done.

We saw the package cost for Rasmus Andersson; which isn’t feasible, and the team is unlikely to pry a name like Erik Karlsson away from the Penguins even though he would be a good fit (but again, contracts and assets are a burden).

Trying to fit Hamilton’s contract in without retention is going to be tough especially with so many big deals already, and retention means they have to pay a much higher premium.

So for all the talk about pulling off a big move, there may not be one at all, or at least they make one that doesn’t completely handicap them going forward but they’d love to be able to acquire Hamilton as a last-ditch push for the postseason.

That is if they can even get their hands on him at all, as it looks like the New Jersey Devils may be hanging onto arguably the biggest name floating around the market.

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An unexpected Devils setback could complicate the Leafs’ plans to land Dougie Hamilton

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