New Jersey Devils defenseman Dougie Hamilton is currently the subject of intense NHL trade rumors linking him to a reunion with the Boston Bruins, pictured here in a Bruins uniform.
Is the prodigal son about to return to TD Garden?
The NHL trade chatter has reached a fever pitch this weekend, and where there is smoke, there is usually a blazing inferno. Multiple sources, including The Fourth Period and Daily Faceoff, are reporting that the Boston Bruins have emerged as a serious suitor for New Jersey Devils defenseman Dougie Hamilton.
This isn’t just idle speculation. With the Bruins desperate to add a legitimate offensive quarterback to their blue line for a playoff run, and Hamilton falling out of favor in New Jersey—punctuated by a healthy scratch earlier this month—the stars are aligning for a massive shakeup. Hamilton, originally drafted 9th overall by Boston in 2011, offers exactly what the Bruins are missing: elite size, a right-handed shot, and a proven ability to run a power play.
But a deal of this magnitude is never simple. With Hamilton’s $9 million AAV and the Bruins’ tight cap situation, this trade would require surgical precision to execute.
The “Smoke” Behind the Rumors
The connection here is undeniable. Boston has been hunting for a top-pairing right-shot defenseman all season. After reportedly kicking tires on Vegas’ Rasmus Andersson, General Manager Don Sweeney seems to have pivoted back to a familiar face.
Hamilton is having a down year by his lofty standards—5 goals and a minus rating through mid-January—but his track record is elite. We are talking about a defenseman who consistently drives offense and tilts the ice. The friction in New Jersey is palpable; when a star player is scratched for “business decisions” (as Hamilton’s agent hinted), it’s usually the precursor to a departure.
What a Bruins-Devils Trade Package Looks Like
Let’s be real: this trade is a financial headache. Hamilton is signed through 2027-28 at a massive number. For Boston to make this work, money has to go out, and New Jersey likely needs to retain salary.
The Likely Ask: To facilitate a trade, the Devils would arguably need to eat roughly $2 million to $3 million of Hamilton’s annual cap hit. In return, Boston would need to send a package that includes:
A Roster Player: A middle-six forward or a defenseman like Henri Jokiharju (if the Bruins are willing to shake up the core) to balance the books.
High-End Draft Capital: A 2026 1st Round Pick is the starting point.
A Top Prospect: New Jersey isn’t rebuilding; they are retooling. They will want a young player who is close to NHL-ready to step into their lineup immediately.
It’s a steep price, but for a Bruins team that’s “all-in” on winning now, bringing Hamilton back could be the spark that ignites a deep Cup run.
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