Dougie Hamilton healthy scratch creates a pivotal moment for the Maple Leafs
Photo credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
New Jersey Devils defenseman Dougie Hamilton is projected to be a healthy scratch on Saturday as rumors run rampant with the Maple Leafs facing a crucial decision.
The last nine games for the Devils have been anything but a fun time for anyone. They have gone 2-6-1 while being outscored 32-14 including a 9-0 drubbing at the hands of the New York Islanders.
Amidst injury concerns there is also a lot of talk about the team potentially trading away a few pieces in order to open up some cap space and dish off some veterans.
Hamilton scratched Saturday as trade speculation ramps up
The name thrown around most is Dougie Hamilton's and while he would be an expensive pickup, he would add a lot to any contender and there may be more to the trade speculation than just hearsay.
On Saturday the Devils announced their lineup but Hamilton was nowhere to be seen. He isn't hurt, and it looks like the veteran is set to be a healthy scratch; which could signal his time in New Jersey is coming to an end soon:
Hamilton, 32, has 10 points in 40 games which would be a down year for him, though a lot of that has to do with a struggling Devils team overall.
He's signed through the 2027-28 season and comes at a cap hit of $9-million with a 10-team no trade list as well as a no-movement clause; this all depends on him.
Though it sounds like maybe he would be open to more teams as according to sources, Hamilton and his agent are trying to find the best place to play moving forward:
While he could command a lot in terms of assets going the other way, there's a good chance that Hamilton is a piece that can push Toronto over the top; especially if they keep up their recent pace.
Maple Leafs need Dougie Hamilton to put them over the top but at what price?
Everything is clicking right now and the only issue is the defense and while injuries play a factor, the team is missing that little extra oomph from the point that can fire in heavy shots and create havoc in front of the net -- a place where Toronto has a high success rate this season.
It's unlikely that we see Morgan Rielly going the other way and the Maple Leafs need to find a way to open up some cap space if they want Hamilton aboard, so with that in mind let's see how the team could use their potential shiny new defenseman:
McCabe - Hamilton
Rielly - Carlo
Ekman-Larsson - Stecher
Rielly - Carlo
Ekman-Larsson - Stecher
That gives you Simon Benoit as a depth defender in addition to Philippe Myers, Matt Benning and Dakota Mermis who can slide in on an emergency basis.
Plus it balances out the left/right dichotomy on the team, giving each pair a balanced group as well as an offensive catalyst on each grouping.
But what does that cost? Is it the last first-round pick and Ben Danford? Is it straight-up for Rielly? Do names like Matias Maccelli, Max Domi or even William Nylander find their way into the conversation?
A lot of money is needed to cover Hamilton's cap hit, and the Maple Leafs need to entice GM Tom Fitzgerald to let him go, but maybe he can give his former team some help this season.
As we wait and see what the next steps are for the Devils this season, if they are looking to cut ties with Dougie Hamilton then the Maple Leafs need to be one of the first teams to call.
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Maple Leafs projected lineup for tonight as William Nylander returns
Maple Leafs projected lineup for tonight as William Nylander returns