As of now, it appears the New Jersey Devils won’t be trading Dougie Hamilton this offseason.
With training camp fast approaching, Hamilton remains on the roster, and there’s no indication the team is actively shopping him. That means it’s worth taking a closer look at what the veteran defenseman will bring to New Jersey in 2025–26.
Hamilton’s name came up in trade rumors earlier this summer for a reason: his contract is sizable, and the Devils have faced salary cap challenges. The 32-year-old is entering the fifth season of a seven-year, $63 million deal he signed on July 28, 2021. His $9 million annual salary makes him the highest-paid player on the roster.
While a trade now seems unlikely, Hamilton’s presence offers clear benefits. With more than a decade of NHL experience, 835 career games, and 501 points, he brings proven production and valuable leadership to a young blue line. In particular, his mentorship could help accelerate Luke Hughes’ development both on and off the ice.
Offensively, Hamilton remains an asset, if he can stay healthy. Last season, he appeared in 64 games and posted 40 points, continuing to produce at a high level. He’s no stranger to playoff pressure, having helped lead the Carolina Hurricanes to the 2019 Eastern Conference Final.
Health, however, has been Hamilton’s biggest challenge. Over the past five years, he has endured a series of major injuries:
- 2020 – Broke his left fibula, requiring surgery
- 2022 – Suffered a broken jaw
- 2023 – Tore his pectoral muscle, requiring surgery
- 2024 – Missed the final two months with a lower-body injury
This history makes his durability a question mark heading into the new season. Still, as the Devils’ defense deepens, Hamilton will have less pressure to carry the load, allowing him to focus on his strengths, offensive creativity, puck movement, and power-play presence.
The cost of his contract may no longer match his overall impact, but his leadership and experience remain valuable. For now, it looks like Hamilton will spend another season in New Jersey, mentoring younger players and proving he can still be a difference-maker.