A new Dougie Hamilton report points to Toronto, and it comes down to one thing
Photo credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images
A new report from Frank Seravalli continues to point to Toronto as a team to keep an eye on regarding a Dougie Hamilton trade, as it comes down to one crucial factor.
With the Toronto Maple Leafs looking to make some type of move this season, the name who keeps popping up repeatedly is New Jersey Devils defenseman Dougie Hamilton.
Hamilton, 32, has 16 points in 45 games (5 goals, 11 assists) and has really picked it up as of late with six points over his last five games; he makes $9-million for the next two seasons.
Reports earlier on suggested that the Devils were looking to move on from him, and while there is a chance that New Jersey holds onto him given their injury situation -- he's still a top target nonetheless.
Toronto still leading the pack for Dougie Hamilton
However, it seems like even with that report the Maple Leafs are still the team to watch regarding Hamilton as Frank Seravalli believes they can do it -- and not spend heavily.
Seravalli was a guest on the Real Kyper and Bourne Show on Monday and explained that the Maple Leafs could nab Hamilton as long as they make the cap work, and may not need to spend a fortune either:
Maybe someone like Dougie Hamilton does make a lot of sense, you'd still have to do some cap surgery; you'd give your team a boost...while also not really spending assets that you don't have to spend.
Toronto lacks a heavy shot on the point and a true transition puck-mover and Hamilton provides that, though regardless of Seravalli's report; the price doesn't dip into bargain basement territory.
It very well could be a mix of young players on expiring contracts, picks, and savvy cap management from Toronto to make it happen.
How can Toronto maneuver a Dougie Hamilton deal?
They have Chris Tanev and Dakota Joshua's cap relief if they are moved to the LTIR and don't return this season, meanwhile they can dish off several deals like Matias Maccelli and Calle Jarnkrok to open up a few million dollars as well.
That would give Toronto the flexibility to get Hamilton without retention or losing a top prospect or pick, and New Jersey doesn't need to worry about any long-term commitments that handicap their salary cap situation.
With the Devils still ho-hum about Hamilton given that Luke Hughes will be out for a few weeks, there could be a world where they hang onto him and Toronto is out of luck.
But if the Maple Leafs can convince Tom Fitzgerald that his defenseman is more a burden than a blessing, it might be enough to pull off a trade.
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| POLL | ||
JANVIER 21|754 ANSWERS A new Dougie Hamilton report points to Toronto, and it comes down to one thing Do you think Toronto is going to end up with Dougie Hamilton or a different defenseman? | ||
| Hamilton all the way! | 220 | 29.2 % |
| Somebody else coming in! | 534 | 70.8 % |
| List of polls | ||