Once-Touted Bruins’ Prospect In Trade Chatter Again

Former Boston Bruins first round pick Dougie Hamilton is back in the NHL rumor mill.

The New Jersey Devils have reportedly spoken with multiple teams about a potential move involving the veteran defenseman, according to SportsNet’s Elliotte Friedman. While no deal is imminent, the Devils appear to be exploring their options.

“I know that his name was kind of out there,” Friedman said.

Friedman added that the Devils paid Hamilton’s signing bonus July 1 and that his contract has shifted from a full no-move clause to a partial no-trade, a detail that could increase his trade potential around the league, as reported by Chris Mason of MassLive.

The latest rumors appear to be a rekindling of talks from last season that had cooled off for a while.

Whether NHL clubs see him as a project worth salvaging remains to be seen. Opinions appeared split, which has become somewhat of a hallmark of Hamilton’s NHL tenure.

Originally drafted No. 9 overall by the Boston Bruins in 2011, Hamilton spent three seasons in Boston before being dealt to Calgary in 2015.

The return — a first-rounder and two second-rounders — turned into Zach Senyshyn, Jakob Forsbacka-Karlsson and Jeremy Lauzon. None became core pieces, but the Bruins moved on without regret.

Hamilton was later traded to the Carolina Hurricanes and eventually signed a seven-year deal with New Jersey in 2021.

Though never known for physical play, the 6-foot-6 right-shot defenseman remains a consistent offensive contributor. He tallied 40 points in 64 games last season. He carries a $9 million cap hit through 2028.

Whether the Devils move him this summer or not, Hamilton’s name is circulating once again — an all-too-familiar spot for the former Bruins pick.