Three potential landing spots for Dougie Hamilton

If the New Jersey Devils decide to move on, these teams could make sense.

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Shortly after the New Jersey Devils were bounced from the playoffs, I wrote about the possibility of trading Dougie Hamilton this off-season.

There are pros and cons to moving on but with Hamilton’s play starting to deteriorate, the Devils up against the salary cap, and his no-trade protection loosening as of July 1, I thought Tom Fitzgerald would at least explore what’s out there.

That appears to be the case. Elliotte Friedman noted Hamilton’s name has been tossed around and that the Devils have had discussions with multiple teams.

A Hamilton trade is a tricky path to navigate as the Devils need to find a return they like that also happens to be from one of the 10 teams on his trade list.

I’m not privvy to that but, on the surface, these three destinations could make sense.

Anaheim Ducks

The Ducks have several talented young defensemen on their roster in Jackson LaCombe, Pavel Mintyukov, and Olen Zellweger. They’re also all lefties.

LaCombe can play both sides but in terms of right-handed defensemen, the Ducks are a little thin. Even more so when looking for puck-moving ability.

Jacob Trouba, Radko Gudas, and Tristan Luneau (while promising) doesn’t get me too excited if I’m trying to be a playoff team.

It’s also worth noting the Ducks ranked dead last in power play goals and 31st in high-danger chance generation last season. They could really use help on the man advantage.

Hamilton would instantly become the best right-handed defenseman on the roster. He’d upgrade the power play. He’d give them more puck-moving ability on the right side. And the Ducks could make his salary fit without a sweat.

They need to re-sign Mason McTavish and Lukas Dostal but have nearly $30 million to do so with most of their roster filled. Hamilton’s cap hit wouldn’t cause any problems.

Not to mention, ownership wants the team to get back to the playoffs under Joel Quenneville. Acquiring a player to improve the team – who also costs much less in real dollars than cap hit – is a dream for owners.

I don’t know if Anaheim would be on Hamilton’s list but I could see playing for an emerging young team in a warm weather climate being appealing.

Toronto Maple Leafs