Mixed news for the Leafs in the Dougie Hamilton chase as the market starts to tilt
Photo credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images
The Toronto Maple Leafs get mixed signals as their pursuit for New Jersey Devils defenseman Dougie Hamilton intensities.
Two new reports give more indications into where things stand between Dougie Hamilton and a potential trade to Toronto, with both reports providing some answers, but some new questions.
According to a report from Pierre LeBrun, Hamilton is not believed to have the Toronto Maple Leafs on his list of teams he'd have to waive his no-move clause for, appearing to be among the approved teams.
Leafs reporter James Mirtle, in regards to Hamilton and Toronto, spoke seperately on the links, and said that other teams are willing to make most or all of Hamilton's $9M annual AAV, which runs until 2028.
Mirtle also adds that waiving retention or taking less off could be agreed upon by teams depending on whether a team can agree to give up less prominent assets.
The Toronto Maple Leafs have a shot at Dougie Hamilton, but may be outpriced
The Toronto Maple Leafs have a clear pathway to get a deal done to acquire Dougie Hamilton, but other teams afford a luxury that may be out of Toronto's range.
The Leafs don't have the ability to take on the entirety of Hamilton's $9M salary expect with some clear moving around of the numbers.
Toronto could move Brandon Carlo along with one of Matias Maccelli or Max Domi to alleviate some of the cost, or to just retain 25%, but that would still put the Leafs in a bind to have the right assets.
Despite having been a healthy scratch for the Devils, Dougie Hamilton will likely command on the trade block either a first round pick or a top prospect, making it possible that one of Easton Cowan or Ben Danford move out, with additionally another piece.
It's unlikely that Hamilton will be a cap dump for the Devils, and likely the offer will be a steep price to pay, but one that would help keep the Leafs pushing towards their win-now mentality, and give the big trade move that GM Brad Treliving is looking for.
Other teams offer more financial flexibility and more in prospect assets, meaning the Toronto Maple Leafs may be forced to go all-in if they're settled on Dougie Hamilton being their guy.
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