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Jay on Leafs: Solving Blue Line: Why a Dougie Hamilton Trade Makes Sense |
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Solving the Blue Line: Why a Dougie Hamilton Trade Makes Sense for the Leafs
Since his hiring as General Manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Brad Treliving has placed a major focus on rebuilding the team's defense. With the exception of Morgan Rielly and Jake McCabe, Treliving has replaced every other member of the team's back end. It appears that this transformation may not be complete, as the Leafs were recently connected to New Jersey Devils defenseman Dougie Hamilton.
Hamilton is entering the fifth year of the seven-year contract he signed with the Devils, which carries a cap hit of $9,000,000. After four years with a full no-movement clause, his contract now features a modified no-trade clause requiring him to provide a 10-team trade list. With a deep pipeline of young defenders, the Devils could be motivated to free up cap space as they search for more offense.
How would Hamilton fit with the Leafs?
With a right side currently consisting of Chris Tanev and Brandon Carlo, the Leafs are set from a defensive perspective. Adding a player like Hamilton, who starts nearly 70% of his shifts in the offensive zone, could be a perfect complement. Hamilton also brings the ability to run a power play and possesses a dangerous shot from the point—a skill the Leafs have lacked since the departure of Dion Phaneuf.
Hamilton is only three seasons removed from a 22-goal season, a total that would rank tied for first all-time by a Maple Leafs defenseman. He also possesses the ability to carry the puck through the neutral zone and makes a strong first pass. While not overly physical, Hamilton compensates for this with his long reach and strong skating.
Most importantly, though, Hamilton would provide a dynamic the Leafs have lacked for years. As a right-handed defenseman, he would allow the Leafs to attack from a different angle, putting the puck on William Nylander's stick more frequently in transition at even strength. On the power play, Hamilton would make the Leafs more dynamic by spreading out the defense for Auston Matthews, creating more one-timer chances, and providing Matthew Knies and John Tavares with significant net-front opportunities from his point shots.
While Dougie Hamilton is likely the perfect addition for the Maple Leafs, it would be an almost impossible deal to complete without moving Morgan Rielly and his $7,500,000 salary. Without that cap relief, the Leafs will likely find it difficult to acquire Hamilton while still finding help for their top-six forwards.
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