The New Jersey Devils are strapped for cash and need to free up some money. One of their solutions is to trade veteran defender Dougie Hamilton. Hamilton is making $9 million a year. That’s not a bad price for a solid offensive defender.
However, he hasn’t been very solid this year. Usually, the 32 year old defender has been a fairly good scorer and a dynamo on the power play for both Carolina and New Jersey. A few years ago when he was a free agent, he was a player I was drooling over to come and suit up for the Flyers. This year, he’s scored just seven goals with 14 assists. That’s not the best that he can do based on years past.
To start extending some of their younger stars, the Devils need to free up money. Hamilton could be that casualty. He has one year left on his contract, which some contending teams might want since he could be part of their plans next season. He could end up being moved at this year’s deadline and he could fetch a hefty haul if the bidding gets high enough. Should the Flyers pounce on it?
Could Briere Make it Happen?
First of all, deals between the Devils and Flyers are extremely rare. They’ve made three in total. For a vast majority of their two respective histories, these rivals have been at each other’s throats for the top of the division. They don’t want to see each other improve or help each other out. That alone makes it unlikely a move could be made. Why improve the other if it hurts you? After all, both teams are chasing Cup dreams.
An interesting deal would be to ship Rasmus Ristolainen to the Devils straight up for Hamilton. No cash is exchanged. Ristolainen could help them in a playoff run and save about $2 million. Overall though, that wouldn’t solve New Jersey’s problem unless they flip him somewhere else for picks and/or prospects.
In the end, the Devils will want picks or prospects. For an aging vet that has been battling injuries and a drop in play the last few seasons, it really isn’t worth it. This isn’t the same Hamilton that was an offensive/defensive powerhouse. A few years ago, seeing him don the orange and black would’ve been amazing. Right now…meh. Acquiring him. might help Philly make the playoffs this year, but could cost them a lot more future assets. Assets that would benefit one of their biggest rivals.
Hamilton can be an impact player and is still fun to watch. However, it’s better to watch him somewhere else. The Flyers have come too far to invest in aging players who cost too much. Again, it’s doubtful that the Devils would send him packing down I-95 anyway. It’s an interesting thought, but it ain’t gonna happen. More importantly, it shouldn’t happen.