Pierre LeBrun puts a timeline on the Toronto Maple Leafs acquiring Dougie Hamilton
Photo credit: Marc DesRosiers-Imagn Images
New Jersey Devils defenseman Dougie Hamilton is being linked to the Toronto Maple Leafs right now, and it seems like insiders are confident in a deal getting done.
Dougie Hamilton is the biggest trade chip in the entire NHL right now, and there is no denying that there are plenty of teams out there who would love to have him.
Of course, the Toronto Maple Leafs are one of those teams. They would love a right-handed puck-moving defenseman, especially with Chris Tanev out for the year.
Having said that, acquiring Hamilton is not going to be easy. There is competition from a plethora of other teams. Not to mention, the man makes $9 million per season.
The Leafs are acutely aware of their own salary cap situation and will be careful not to overspend during this sensitive period of the NHL season.
Dougie Hamilton is a popular man right now
According to Pierre LeBrun of TSN, the New Jersey Devils would love to trade Dougie Hamilton before the Olympic break, as opposed to the trade deadline.
The Toronto Maple Leafs and Carolina Hurricanes seem to be the two best fits for Hamilton right now, although both teams would like some salary to be retained.
With 12 points in 41 games this season, Dougie Hamilton isn't having the best season of his career. That said, it's not like the New Jersey Devils are a juggernaut.
This is a team that is struggling right now, and the Leafs could very well take advantage with a deal that isn't loaded with talented players.
If the Leafs have to give up someone like Ben Danford, then so be it. Sometimes, that is the cost of doing business when you're going after premium talent.
Leafs fan will just have to sit tight on all of this. However, it does look like some movement could be happening really soon.
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Dougie Hamilton has reportedly made up his mind on the Toronto Maple Leafs
Dougie Hamilton has reportedly made up his mind on the Toronto Maple Leafs