Bleacher Report's Lyle Richardson recently released his latest NHL Trade Block Big Board for the month of August. Interestingly, two New Jersey Devils were discussed in it - defenseman Dougie Hamilton and goaltender Nico Daws.
Hamilton secured the No. 11 spot on Richardson's trade board, and it is understandable. The 32-year-old blueliner has been the subject of trade rumors this off-season, and it is not necessarily surprising when noting that they have two young right-shot blueliners in Simon Nemec and Seamus Casey waiting in the wings. Hamilton also has a $9 million cap hit until the end of the 2027-28 season, so they would free up a good amount of money if they moved him.
However, trading Hamilton would come with some risk for the Devils, as he is still one of their top defensemen right now and a notable part of their power play. In 64 games this past season, he recorded nine goals, 40 points, and 74 hits.
Daws, on the other hand, is at the No. 8 spot on Richardson's list. Similar to Hamilton, he has been the subject of trade speculation this summer. With the Devils re-signing Jake Allen to a five-year contract and Jacob Markstrom being New Jersey's No. 1 goalie, Daws could end up being the odd man out.
In six games this past season with the Devils, Daws posted a 3-1-0 record, a 1.60 goals-against average, and a .939 save percentage. After showing promise this past campaign with the Devils, he certainly could generate some interest if the Devils officially shop him.
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