Maple Leafs interested in Hamilton — The Fourth Period
As the Toronto Maple Leafs look for ways to further improve their roster, one area they are trying to address is adding a puck-moving defenceman, which TFP’s David Pagnotta reported last month.
Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving has been exploring the market for options and earlier this season re-engaged with the Calgary Flames about Rasmus Andersson.
In addition to Andersson, though, the Leafs also appear to have some interest in New Jersey Devils blueliner Dougie Hamilton, whom the Devils have been actively shopping since the summer.
During Tuesday’s edition of “Insider Trading” on TSN, Pierre LeBrun reported that the Leafs and Carolina Hurricanes, whom Hamilton spent three seasons with, are two “potential fits” for the 32-year-old blueliner.
“Let me stress potential. Of course, he was with the Hurricanes and played well there. But it would really depend in terms of whether Carolina would go down that road and in terms of what New Jersey would take back in exchange,” LeBrun stated. “And with the Leafs, I think there’s no question they’re not taking him at $9 million a year, the Devils would have to retain. So we’ll see where it goes. (The Devils) hope to get this done before the Olympic break.”
Hamilton, who ranks No.3 on TFP’s Trade Watch List, has two years remaining on his contract after this season and owns a $9 million cap hit. He is due a $7.4 million payment on July 1, upon which his salary is just $1 million next season, as it is this season. His total salary in 2027-28 is $5.25 million with no bonus payment due.
He also has a 10-team trade list as part of his contract, but his agent, J.P. Barry, confirmed over the weekend that he is open to expanding that list.
The Maple Leafs have limited salary cap space this season, but could create more room if they place defenceman Chris Tanev and his $4.5 million cap hit on LTIR if he is done for the regular-season, giving the Leafs just over $3.8 million more to spend over the cap.
Earlier this season, the Maple Leafs had reportedly been dangling the likes of Mattias Maccelli ($3.425M AAV), Max Domi ($3.75M) and Brandon Carlo ($3.485M), and will presumably need to include a roster player in a deal for Hamilton, with some salary retained by the Devils.
Meanwhile, the Devils are also actively shopping forward Ondrej Palat, who also owns a 10-team trade list and has another team remaining on his contract at a $6 million cap hit.
“One final thing is that New Jersey needs to move money too,” LeBrun said. “That’s what they’re focused on now in a separate deal. Palat is the player they’re trying to move. Again, not an easy proposition.”
