Sunday was quiet on the New Jersey side of things, but the rumor mill still found a way to keep the New Jersey Devils in the mill. Over the weekend, there were rumors of defenseman Dougie Hamilton and potential landing destinations in trade.
I’m here to tell you there’s no point in entertaining the rumor.
Unless Sunny Mehta is blown out of the water with an offer he cannot refuse, Hamilton is in New Jersey to stay. The Mehta regime values him far more than the Tom Fitzgerald regime did. Mehta has repeatedly stated that Hamilton helps the Devils outscore the opposition, an emphasis the Devils GM has put on constructing New Jersey’s roster.
Plus, the new landscape of NHL salaries proves that Hamilton’s $9 million is no longer a burden on the cap. Instead, it’s actually a decent cap hit for a second-pair defenseman with the capability of popping in double digit goals from the blueline and anchor a first unit power play.
If you’re interested in seeing where the Hamilton rumor started, I’ve linked it below. Don’t buy into it.
Elsewhere, Cale Makar speculation, Minnesota’s trail is cold, and more from around the league.
Devils Trade Rumors & News
New Jersey Hockey Now: Brett Pesce explains the chip on the Devils’ shoulder and why he’s already high on Sunny Mehta’s offseason work so far.
📺 Devils Rink Report: The Devils’ blue line is largely unchanged this season with the exception of Simon Nemec’s departure. It’s especially surprising given Dougie Hamilton wasn’t expected to be in New Jersey next season. Mehta explained on the latest Devils Rink Report he believes in a bounce-back performance from the defense, headlined by Hamilton and Luke Hughes.
Mehta joined Devils Rink Report LIVE to talk about New Jersey’s summer thus far, Jack Hughes, his roster additions, and more. Tune in! 👇🏼
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NHL Trade Talk, News & National Hockey Now
NHLtraderumors.me: This is far from the same situation as Quinn Hughes and Minnesota. It’s August and Cale Makar has yet to ink an extension. The Colorado Avalanche aren’t worried, but the converstion online snowballed over the weekend and suddenly there’s the smallest glimmer of hope from Calgary faithful that he’d earn a massive payday back home. I don’t buy it, but that was the buzz this weekend.
Here’s the Hamilton rumor I’m officially debunking.
Pioneer Press: Speaking of Quinn, the Minnesota Wild have been linked to many names, big and small, but have not been able to make anything come to fruition, and the trail is growing colder.
Forever Blueshirts: Towering New York Rangers prospect Sean Barnhill found the scoresheet for Team USA in a 7-2 win over Canada to close out the World Junior Summer Showcase. The 6-foot-6 blueliner finished with two points in four games and continues to turn heads.
Boston Hockey Now: The Athletic’s ranking of every NHL team’s top-six center duo dropped the Boston Bruins near the bottom of the league. Pavel Zacha and company sit in the “Major Weakness” tier, and the organization knows it still lacks a true No. 1 center.
Daily Faceoff: The 2026 World Junior Summer Showcase is in the books, and Steven Ellis ranked the top standouts from Windsor. Several future NHLers stood out, including a few names that should be on the radar for the real thing in Alberta later this year.
Veteran defenseman Brad Hunt announced his retirement after a 10-year NHL career that included stops with the Oilers, Blues, Predators, Golden Knights, Wild, Canucks, and Avalanche.
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