Dougie Hamilton would consider the Maple Leafs, but there is hesitation behind the scenes

It's been a headline-worthy week for Dougie Hamilton after reports surfaced that the New Jersey Devils were seemingly forcing him out of town and making him accept a deal after a healthy scratch and a lot of speculation over his future with the team.

He found his way back into the lineup on Monday night and went on a tear, nabbing two assists and raising his trade stock even more as teams continue to figure out a suitable deal that would bring him aboard.

One of those teams who could use Hamilton's two-way skillset are the Toronto Maple Leafs and while the team doesn't have a lot of prime assets to trade away, they could be in a bit of luck.

If New Jersey is desperate and things are as tense as they reportedly are, then perhaps Brad Treliving can save some money and or prospects.

But it's Treliving himself that may cause an issue according to Sportsnet's Nick Kypreos.

The analyst explained on the latest episode of The Real Kyper and Bourne Show that while there should be some optimism regarding Toronto's chances to acquire Hamilton, he did caution that there may be some tension between the defenseman and his old GM:

Kypreos brings up an interesting point and it wasn't like Hamilton was sent away for a blockbuster package.

Hamilton was sent to Carolina for a package that included Noah Hanifin and Elias Lindholm and while the latter two are very good NHL players, Hamilton was a young and skilled defenseman on a team filled with older players and sent elsewhere; something Toronto fans know all too well.

Treliving also gave up Adam Fox, who has thrived with the New York Rangers so his track record in pursuing his style of players has led to him losing out on some very good players.

Does Hamilton trust that Treliving will a) give him a prime spot in the lineup and b) won't just decide to cut ties this summer if he feels things won't work out? He did it before, and would likely do it again if it brought back something he felt worthwhile.

They say time heals all wounds though and Hamilton himself hasn't been shy about his connection to the team. If the Maple Leafs are a team in the mix, they have as good a shot as any.

There's a very good chance that Hamilton doesn't have any friction with the Maple Leafs GM anymore but knowing in the back of his head the history they had:

Is that enough to keep Hamilton away even if his option are open?

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