Toronto Maple Leafs run into major roadblock during Dougie Hamilton trade talks
Photo credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
The Toronto Maple Leafs want to trade for New Jersey Devils defenseman Dougie Hamilton, but it appears as though that is going to be more difficult than anticipated.
If there is one thing for certain about the Toronto Maple Leafs right now, it is the fact that they want to trade for defenseman Dougie Hamilton.
Overall, Hamilton is the perfect fit for the Leafs, as they are a team in need of a right-handed puck-moving defenseman who can do it all.
Hamilton fits that description, and with the New Jersey Devils looking to get rid of him, the Maple Leafs may have just struck gold.
While the defenseman's value is fairly low, it appears as though the Maple Leafs have run into a bit of an issue when it comes to making a deal.
New Jersey Devils are making it tough with Dougie Hamilton
According to Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet, the New Jersey Devils aren't super interested in retaining salary, despite Hamilton's value.
They want a player of equal value in return, and as a result, they can't retain the costs of guys who are no longer on the team.
I'm not sure how much they want to retain here, I think they want to take a big swing, and those are usually big salary players; so I'm not sure they're gonna really want to retain that much if any
Ultimately, it's a harsh reality for the Toronto Maple Leafs, who are dealing with their very own salary cap issues right now.
If they cannot get Hamilton at a reduced cost, it is unlikely that they are going to be getting him at all.
However, the Devils have to be realistic as well, and based on Friedman's report, they are failing to see the reality right now.
Also read on Blade of steel :
Mitch Marner sends a message to Maple Leafs fans after being booed on home ice
Mitch Marner sends a message to Maple Leafs fans after being booed on home ice