Dougie Hamilton’s Time Ending in New Jersey
Jimmy Murphy of RG Media: Murphy writes that the New Jersey Devils want to trade Dougie Hamilton and have had him available for a while now. However, Hamilton’s no-movement clause has been holding things up.
NHL Rumors: Are Dougie Hamilton’s Days in New Jersey Numbered?
As noted, Hamilton rejected a trade to the San Jose Sharks in the offseason to open up the cap space necessary to potentially acquire Quinn Hughes from the Vancouver Canucks. So with the team finally healthy on the right side with Brett Pesce, Simon Nemec, and Johnathan Kovacevic, the Devils made Hamilton the odd-man out against the Winnipeg Jets.
This is a move that could facilitate a trade moving forward. As Murphy reported, teams like the Anaheim Ducks, Toronto Maple Leafs, Utah Mammoth, and Detroit Red Wings could acquire the Devils defenseman. However, Toronto and Utah were not on Hamilton’s 10-team trade list. In addition, the Devils and Sharks could circle back even after the nixed trade.
Could the Devils sneak a goal scorer out of this messy situation? But a resolution could be coming soon.
Tom Fitzgerald’s Job Safe for Now with the New Jersey Devils
Ryan Novozinsky of Advanced Media for NJ.com: Novozinsky writes that, as of now, General Manager Tom Fitzgerald’s job is safe with the New Jersey Devils. But it is an ever-changing situation.
NHL Rumors: New Jersey Devils, Vancouver Canucks, Calgary Flames, and the Montreal Canadiens
The Devils general manager has given a league-leading 17 no-movement or no-trade clauses to players. Two of whom, the aforementioned Hamilton and Ondrej Palat, are to get out of cap purgatory. However, ownership is sticking by him.
Novozinsky cites the Monday edition of 32 Thoughts with Elliotte Friedman, in which Friedman says he expects the season to play out before the organization considers firing Tom Fitzgerald. There is time to turn the season around and get it back on track. But things can always change if the season continues to get out of control.
Vancouver Canucks Still Open For Business
Thomas Drance of The Athletic: Drance writes that the Vancouver Canucks have decided to clarify their tune. Instead of a “hybrid retool,” the team is rebuilding. He cites interviews with Jim Rutherford by Sportsnet and with Patrik Allvin by Canucks.com. Both men referenced rebuilding multiple times. The Canucks want to get younger but still want a veteran presence to help these players develop in the NHL.
NHL Rumors: Vancouver Canucks, New York Rangers, and the Winnipeg Jets
However, the Canucks are still listening to all their veterans, even the ones with term. But the right offer has to be made to players with terms left on their deals, like Brock Boeser or Conor Garland.
And speaking of players, they can move. The Canucks value Kiefer Sherwood very highly, and it will take a big offer for the Canucks to consider moving him. They believe his value will be higher as the deadline approaches.
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