New report may have already hurt Maple Leafs' chances at landing Dougie Hamilton
Photo credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images
A new report from NHL insider David Pagnotta shows that perhaps the Maple Leafs may already be out on Dougie Hamilton as they continue to try and look to improve.
Unless you haven't been reading any headlines over the past few months, you'd know the Toronto Maple Leafs are front and center when it comes to trade rumors as they seem to be linked to several high-profile names.
Rasmus Andersson, Mason Marchment, Brayden Schenn, Kiefer Sherwood and Nazem Kadri have all been brought up as potential names, and that's just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to rumors.
But one name who keeps continually popping up is New Jersey Devils defenseman Dougie Hamilton. He's a perfect addition to a team desperate to add not only more offense to their backend but bring in a true #1 defender to replace Morgan Rielly.
Dougie Hamilton already rejected one trade; could it be Toronto?
The team is going to have to pay a lot in both asset cost and Hamilton's cap hit however what he can bring to the team would be a net positive regardless.
Though a new report from David Pagnotta shows that while it's not guaranteed; the team could have already missed the boat.
Pagnotta appeared on the DFO Rundown and revealed that Hamilton could have already been dealt had it been a team he was alright with going to, and there was a deal previously offered that he rejected:
I think Dougie Hamilton could've been traded by now if it was to one of the teams not on his...he's got a 10 team trade list, I think there was a deal there earlier this season; it wasn't on his preferred list.
Hamilton, 32, had reportedly been in trade talks because New Jersey wants to clear some money, and it seems they are trying to get him off their books. Given he makes $9-million it makes sense.
This season he has struggled a bit with only nine points in 37 games however he does hold career totals of 510 points in 872 games (156 goals, 354 assists) as well as a plus-71 rating.
If not the Maple Leafs, do they still have a shot to acquire Hamilton?
Though the Maple Leafs would have a bit of a tough time affording him, if they want to make a stark change to their defensive group then they should look to see what GM Tom Fitzgerald is interested in.
It's highly unlikely given his own trade protection but if Rielly continues to be a detriment defensively and doesn't respond offensively to make up for it, then the Maple Leafs need to seriously think about moving on. Exchanging him for Hamilton, as he's cheaper and the same age is logical.
Plus it would reunite him with former head coach Sheldon Keefe whom he had some of his best offensive seasons under. That might motivate him a little more to waive his protection knowing he is at least familiar with the coaching style.
But as of now, we know that Hamilton is already being shopped around and for those who want the team to improve have to get lucky and hope that the Maple Leafs aren't the organization he previously rejected.