Devils’ Hamilton Open to Adjusting No-Trade List After Being Benched

Veteran defenseman Dougie Hamilton of the New Jersey Devils is exploring trade options following his recent designation as a healthy scratch. This decision comes after the return of defenseman Johnathan Kovacevic, who is making his season debut after recovering from a knee injury.

Hamilton’s Trade Flexibility

J.P. Barry, Hamilton’s agent, indicated that the decision to bench the 32-year-old player was a calculated move by the team. Despite Hamilton’s existing 10-team no-trade list, Barry stated that Hamilton is open to considering additional destinations to facilitate a trade. He emphasized that the decision to scratch Hamilton appears to be more about business than performance.

• Dougie Hamilton’s current performance: 5 goals and 5 assists in 40 games this season.
• Contract details: Seven-year, $63 million deal, with an annual cap hit of $9 million.
• Kovacevic’s contract: First year of a five-year, $20 million agreement.

Head Coach’s Insight

Head coach Sheldon Keefe confirmed Hamilton’s status as the odd man out within the team’s right-side defense. He spoke about the desire to give Simon Nemec more playtime and highlighted the importance of Kovacevic’s return to the lineup. Keefe stated that the business decisions made regarding Hamilton are aimed at enhancing the team’s overall performance.

Team’s Recent Struggles

The Devils are currently experiencing difficulty on the ice, with a record of 22 wins, 20 losses, and 2 overtime losses. They have lost three consecutive games, with an aggregate score of 16–2. As the March 6 trade deadline approaches, the team’s performance will be crucial in determining Hamilton’s future.

Summary of Key Points

The upcoming decisions around Hamilton will significantly impact the Devils’ strategy as they aim for improvement in the coming games. The situation remains fluid as the trade deadline draws near.