On July 28, 2021, the New Jersey Devils made one of the most significant free-agent signings in franchise history, inking star defenseman Dougie Hamilton to a seven-year, $63 million contract, making him the highest-paid player on the roster.
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Four years later, Hamilton is no longer the player the team thought they were getting. His game has changed dramatically, largely shaped by injury setbacks, and what was once seen as a franchise-altering move has now led to trade rumours.
Hamilton’s Evolution
When Hamilton arrived in New Jersey from the Carolina Hurricanes, he was one of the league’s premier offensive defensemen. In his final season with the Hurricanes (2020-21), he tallied 42 points in 55 games and finished fourth in Norris Trophy voting. Expectations were high: he would be the superstar blueliner the team desperately needed. In many ways, he delivered, especially in his first two seasons with the team.
In 2021-22, he played only 62 games after suffering a broken jaw. Still, he put up 30 points (9 goals, 21 assists), showcasing his two-way talent and effectively using his 6-foot-6, 230-pound frame. The 2022-23 season marked a career high for Hamilton, with 74 points (22 goals, 52 assists), ranked fourth among NHL defensemen. He was dangerous from the blue line, lethal in overtime, and the engine that drove the Devils’ top power play unit.
However, despite his offensive success, cracks in Hamilton’s game began to draw attention, particularly in the defensive zone. He struggled with positioning, was frequently caught during odd-man rushes, and often made questionable decisions under pressure, leading to high-danger chances and breakaways for opponents.
While his offensive instincts have remained a core part of his value, the defensive side of his game has drawn criticism — a trend that has intensified over the past two seasons. Once considered a capable two-way presence, Hamilton’s defensive lapses have become more costly, especially as the NHL continues to become faster and more transition-driven.
In the 2023-24 season, Hamilton played only 20 games after being sidelined with a pectoral injury, and since then, his role and reliability as the team’s top defender have diminished.
Hamilton’s New Role with the Devils
The shift in Hamilton’s game is no longer about how he plays, but how his role on the team has…
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