Dougie Hamilton’s healthy scratch and ensuing trade chatter suggest a potential move; if Toronto acquires him, bettors might favor the Maple Leafs on puck-line and totals markets thanks to a stiffer blue line — but his $9M cap hit and 10-team trade list keep a deal uncertain, so expect price volatility in futures and game totals.
Dougie Hamilton Healthy Scratch Fuels Trade Speculation
Maples Leafs are interested in Dougie Hamilton, who was a healthy scratch after Jonathan Kovacevic returned to the lineup, a move that immediately intensified speculation about the veteran defenseman’s future with his current club. The decision has prompted renewed trade chatter around the 6-foot-6 blueliner, who remains under a long-term contract that complicates potential deals.
Contract Details and Trade Restrictions
Hamilton is in the fourth season of a seven-year, $63 million contract carrying a $9 million average annual cap hit that runs through 2027-28. The deal includes modified no-trade protection with a 10-team trade list, although multiple reports indicate Hamilton is open to movement if a workable deal can be arranged. Those protections and the long-term cap commitment have been central barriers in ongoing trade discussions.
On-Ice Performance This Season
The veteran defenseman has produced five goals and five assists in 40 games this season while sitting at a minus-7 rating. He remains a valuable right-shot option on the power play and brings size and experience that teams covet when shoring up their blue line.
Agent Response and Team Interest
Hamilton’s agent, J.P. Barry, criticized how the situation was handled, saying the move felt “all about business rather than his game right now,” and confirmed there have been multiple efforts to move the defenseman. Teams have shown interest in Hamilton, with the Toronto Maple Leafs repeatedly mentioned as a natural fit and the San Jose Sharks previously attempting a deal that collapsed due to trade-list restrictions. Interest is real, but Hamilton’s cap hit and contract length make any trade complicated.
How This Impacts Betting Markets
For bettors, Hamilton’s potential destination matters. If he lands with a club like Toronto, expect markets to react: game totals for their matches could move lower and puck-line prices could tighten in the Leafs’ favor due to improved defensive depth. Conversely, if Hamilton stays and causes internal disruption, markets might offer value on Devils’ game totals or futures reflecting defensive instability. The combination of a high cap hit and trade-list limits means odds and lines could swing rapidly as credible trade reports surface.
New Jersey Devils defenseman Dougie Hamilton was a healthy scratch for the game against the Winnipeg Jets on Sunday as Jonathan Kovacevic returned to the lineup.
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