Top Maple Leafs reporter reveals whether or not Dougie Hamilton is coming to Toronto
Photo credit: Marc DesRosiers-Imagn Images
Toronto Maple Leafs reporter James Mirtle just came through with a report on the Dougie Hamilton sweepstakes, the Leafs' chances of acquiring the defenseman.
Dougie Hamilton is currently the most sought-after defenseman on the trade market, now that Rasmus Andersson has been acquired by the Las Vegas Golden Knights.
Overall, the Maple Leafs have found themselves as one of the main teams looking to acquire the Devils defenseman, especially since they need a right-handed puck-mover.
Of course, the New Jersey Devils are not going to give up Hamilton for nothing. Not to mention, Hamilton is making a lot of money, and the Leafs hope to retain salary.
According to James Mirtle of The Athletic, these factors are a huge reason why the Maple Leafs probably aren't the contenders some thought they were.
Toronto Maple Leafs get bad news on Dougie Hamilton
In his latest report, Mirtle made the argument that it is extremely unlikely that Hamilton ends up with the Leafs.
The Leafs want 50 percent of the salary to be retained, and that is something that the Devils simply aren't willing to do.
Leafs would want a high level of retention to get this deal done - potentially up to 50% -and that very well could be what kills a trade...other teams are going to be willing to absorb far more (and potentially all) of Hamilton's contract in order to bring him over
With the New Jersey Devils suffering various injuries this season, it would not be shocking if they just decided to keep Hamilton altogether.
Trading the defenseman is not going to be easy, and it feels like rival teams, such as the Leafs, just have way too many demands right now.
Ultimately, this is a blow to the Leafs' trade deadline plans, especially since their need for a right-handed defenseman has only grown in size.
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| POLL | ||
JANVIER 20|280 ANSWERS Top Maple Leafs reporter reveals whether or not Dougie Hamilton is coming to Toronto Do you believe the Toronto Maple Leafs need Dougie Hamilton? | ||
| YES | 120 | 42.9 % |
| NO | 160 | 57.1 % |
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