Devils’ Hamilton Rejoins Lineup Monday After Missing Against Jets
Defenceman Dougie Hamilton will rejoin the New Jersey Devils’ lineup on Monday after missing the previous game against the New York Jets. His absence was notable given his experience and contributions to the team.
Team Changes and Player Status
Although Hamilton returns, teammate Simon Nemec will not compete against the Minnesota Wild. Meanwhile, Johnny Kovacevic, after recovering from an injury, is set to play his second consecutive game. His return directly coincided with Hamilton’s scratch from the lineup.
Trade Speculations Surrounding Hamilton
The decision to keep Hamilton out has led to speculation regarding his future with the team. His agent, J.P. Barry, has expressed concern, suggesting the move serves as a tactic to encourage Hamilton to accept a trade. Reports indicate that Hamilton has a partial no-trade clause, allowing him to block trades to 21 out of 31 teams.
- Trade Conditions: Hamilton can only be traded to 10 teams.
- Past Interest: The San Jose Sharks attempted to acquire Hamilton last summer, but he denied the move.
Hamilton’s Season Performance
At 32 years old, Hamilton has underperformed this season compared to last. In 40 games, he has recorded five goals and five assists. In contrast, during the previous season, he totaled nine goals and 31 assists in 64 games.
Contract and Future Prospects
Hamilton’s contract is a significant factor in his situation. He is set to earn $8.4 million next season, with an additional $7.4 million bonus due in the summer. Experts suggest that with two years remaining on his contract after the 2025-2026 season, contract termination is unlikely.
As Hamilton rejoins the Devils, all eyes will be on his performance and how it impacts future trade discussions.
