In today’s NHL Rumor Mill, we look at the latest on Devils defenseman Dougie Hamilton and Flyers winger Owen Tippett, plus the difficulty facing the Canucks in finding a second-line center.
THE ATHLETIC: Pierre LeBrun reports New Jersey Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald downplayed the effect of defenseman Luke Hughes’ new contract on blueliner Dougie Hamilton’s future with the club.
New Jersey Devils defenseman Dougie Hamilton (NHL Images).
Hughes recently signed a seven-year contract with an average annual value of $9 million. With the rising salary cap, it’s not a big deal to have two defensemen earning $9 million annually. However, there is only one top power-play unit on a team, and both Hughes and Hamilton are suited for it.
LeBrun noted that NHL clubs are keeping a close eye on this situation in case Hamilton becomes available. He carries a 10-team trade list in his contract through 2027-28.
Fitzgerald pointed out that the Devils are running a power play where the strategy is based on the opposing team’s penalty kill, adding that Hughes and Hamilton play different styles. He also said that Hamilton is on a long-term contract and insisted that Hughes’ contract had nothing with the other Devils defensemen.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Devils are riding high in the standings right now. If they remain there throughout the season, they will have no reason to part with Hamilton. However, if things get rocky and they start tumbling down the standings, Hamilton’s name could resurface in the rumor mill.
Some have pointed to rumors suggesting Vancouver Canucks captain Quinn Hughes would like to one day join his brothers in New Jersey. For that to happen means shopping Hamilton to free up the cap space.
For now, there is no indication that such a move will take place. The earliest that it could be would be next summer, depending on how things shake out for Quinn in Vancouver.
THE PROVINCE: Ben Kuzma pointed out the difficulty the Vancouver Canucks face in finding a suitable second-line center if Filip Chytil remains sidelined for a lengthy period.
He believes Canucks GM Patrik Allvin will have to get creative to address the issue. That could mean parting with a good prospect and draft picks because that’s what it would take to swing a suitable deal.
The Canucks were linked to Minnesota Wild center Marco Rossi and Anaheim Ducks center Mason McTavish during the summer. However, the duo re-signed with their respective clubs.
Kuzma pointed out that the struggling Calgary Flames need to do something. He wondered if the Canucks should pursue Flames captain Mikael Backlund. The 36-year-old center is struggling offensively this season, but he’s strong in the faceoff circle and is capable of more on a better team.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Canucks are among several clubs that were in the market for a second-line center this summer. However, there were no suitable options available then, and none are now. By the time the market for centers improves, it could be too late to save the Canucks’ season.
Backlund is unlikely to be available if the Canucks were interested in him. He’s in the final season of his current contract with a full no-movement clause. He signed a two-year extension in September with the intention of finishing his career with the Flames.
PHILLY HOCKEY NOW: William James cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman telling the “Morning Cuppa Hockey” podcast that he doesn’t see the Flyers shopping Owen Tippett.
The 26-year-old Flyers winger was the recent subject of trade speculation as some observers suggested he could be a trade chip to address other roster needs. However, Friedman hasn’t heard Tippett’s name out there in the trade market, adding that he’s a player the Flyers aren’t really looking to move.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Tippett is under contract through 2031-32 and is off to a sizzling start with a team-leading five goals in six games. He’s not going anywhere.