Veteran defenseman Dougie Hamilton is reportedly open to negotiating with the New Jersey Devils on a potential trade after being listed as a healthy scratch for their recent game against the Winnipeg Jets. This decision came after defenseman Johnathan Kovacevic prepared to make his season debut following a knee injury that sidelined him for the entirety of the 2025-26 campaign.
Devils head coach Sheldon Keefe confirmed on Saturday that Hamilton would be sitting out, remarking on the team dynamics as a key factor in the decision. TSN hockey insider Pierre LeBrun reached out to Hamilton’s agent, J.P. Barry, who conveyed that the decision appeared to be a calculated move regarding Hamilton’s status. Barry expressed that Hamilton is willing to expand his trade options beyond his current 10-team no-trade list to secure a suitable destination.
“Dougie was informed today that he will not be playing now that Kovacevic is back in the lineup. This decision is all about business rather than his performance at this moment,” Barry stated. He noted that efforts to trade Hamilton have been ongoing, dating back to last year’s draft, and emphasized that they are open to considering a broader range of teams.
In response to Barry’s remarks, Devils General Manager Tom Fitzgerald clarified that the decision to make Hamilton a healthy scratch was reflective of the team’s healthy defense roster for the first time this season. Fitzgerald highlighted the importance of Simon Nemec’s return to the lineup and praised Brett Pesce’s performance, reinforcing that Hamilton was simply the odd man out given the circumstances.
Hamilton, 32, has accumulated five goals and five assists in 40 games this season. This is his fifth season with the Devils and 14th overall in the NHL. The player is under a seven-year, $63 million contract, which includes a cap hit of $9 million annually.
As the trade deadline approaches on March 6, Hamilton’s future with the Devils remains uncertain, especially as the team attempts to recover from a recent slump, losing three consecutive games by a combined score of 16-2, and currently sitting sixth in the competitive Metropolitan Division with a record of 22-20-2.
This situation underscores not only the business side of professional hockey but also the ongoing challenges teams face in balancing player performance, injuries, and roster management as they strive for success in the demanding league.