In today’s NHL Rumor Mill: Some suggested trade destinations for Devils defenseman Dougie Hamilton, the Maple Leafs could face a tough decision with winger Bobby McMann, and some young players the Penguins should monitor in the trade market.
THE LATEST ON DOUGIE HAMILTON
THE SCORE: Josh Wegman noted that Dougie Hamilton’s time with the New Jersey Devils could be coming to an end soon. The Devils made the 32-year-old defenseman a healthy scratch for Sunday’s game against the Winnipeg Jets, sparking trade speculation after his agent indicated his client was willing to be flexible with his 10-team trade list to facilitate a mutually beneficial deal.
Wegman listed the San Jose Sharks, Nashville Predators, and Calgary Flames as three clubs that should attempt to acquire Hamilton.
New Jersey Devils defenseman Dougie Hamilton (NHL Images).
The Sharks reportedly attempted to acquire Hamilton last summer, but he vetoed the deal. Perhaps he’d reconsider with the Sharks now in playoff contention. He would instantly become, at worst, their second-best right-shot defenseman.
In Nashville, the Predators overcame a slow start to put themselves into wildcard contention in the Western Conference. Hamilton could elevate his game playing alongside Predators captain Roman Josi. They could add him without sacrificing their future.
Wegman admits a reunion with the Calgary Flames is unlikely, but pointed out that they could theoretically turn Hamilton into a draft pick or a prospect if he plays reasonably well over the remaining two years of his contract. He would also garner plenty of playing time if they end up parting ways with Rasmus Andersson.
RG.ORG: James Murphy reports the Sharks and the Utah Mammoth have circled back on Hamilton after attempting to acquire him last summer. A source told him that Hamilton had the Mammoth and the Toronto Maple Leafs on his no-trade list, but that won’t matter anymore.
That source suggested keeping an eye on Mammoth forward Nick Schmaltz and defenseman Nate Schmidt. The Vegas Golden Knights and Detroit Red Wings could also be interested in Hamilton.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Sharks could be interested if Hamilton is now willing to go to San Jose, but they could be reluctant to risk upsetting the promising chemistry they’ve built up among their players this season.
Hamilton could bolster the Mammoth’s depth on the right side of their defense corps. However, they are believed to be keen on re-signing Schmaltz, who is UFA-eligible this summer.
The Leafs and Golden Knights lack sufficient cap space to take on Hamilton’s full cap hit. The Devils would have to retain half his salary. Even then, the Leafs would have to shed salary to free up sufficient cap room. As for the Flames, it’s doubtful that Hamilton will okay a return to Calgary, or that they would want him back.
Nashville has already saddled itself with enough veterans on expensive contracts that are difficult to move. It would be surprising if they took on Hamilton even with salary retention.
Hamilton could be a good addition to the Red Wings’ blueline. However, general manager Steve Yzerman could have his eye on younger, more affordable options leading up to the March 6 trade deadline.
WILL THE MAPLE LEAFS RE-SIGN OR TRADE BOBBY MCMANN?
TORONTO STAR: Kevin McGran reports winger Bobby McMann played a key role in the Maple Leafs’ recent turnaround. He thrived during a recent stint on their top line. The 6’2”, 217-pounder is a streaky scorer, but he tallied 20 goals last season and already has 13 this season. He’s a speedy forward who plays with a physical edge and carries an affordable $1.35 million cap hit.
However, the 29-year-old McMann is UFA-eligible in July. He’s due for a significant raise that could be outside the Maple Leafs’ comfort zone. They could offer him $4 million annually, but he could get over $5 million on the open market.
McGran suggested that Treliving could consider using McMann as a trade chip to bolster the blueline. He pointed out that they already have plenty of big-bodied wingers, and they’ll have to make room for Dakota Joshua when the sidelined winger returns from injury.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Moving McMann would’ve been considered a no-brainer six weeks ago, when the Maple Leafs were at the bottom of the Atlantic Division, and their supporters were screaming for a sell-off. Their recent resurgence, however, could make Treliving reluctant to part with McMann.
FOUR YOUNG PLAYERS FOR THE PENGUINS TO MONITOR IN THE TRADE MARKET
PITTSBURGH HOCKEY NOW: Dan Kingerski listed four young players that he believes the Penguins should be watching in the trade market.
Topping his list is forward Jakob Pelletier of the Tampa Bay Lightning, who is currently playing with their AHL affiliate in Syracuse. He also included New York Rangers winger Brennan Othmann, Winnipeg Jets forward Brad Lambert, and defenseman Ville Heinola.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Othmann is the more likely of those four to be available before the trade deadline. He’s frequently surfaced in the rumor mill lately. Lambert was briefly mentioned last November, but the Jets’ shallow prospect pool could make them unwilling to move Lambert or Heinola.