Detroit Red Wings acquire star defenseman from New Jersey: An opportunity that they can't afford to pass on
Photo credit: New Jersey Hockey Now
The Red Wings have a major chance to acquire offensive-minded defenseman Dougie Hamilton from the New Jersey Devils, should they make it happen?
The Red Wings are reportedly still in the market for a top-pairing defenseman, and they could have a unique opportunity soon.
Via Adam Gretz of Bleacher Report, the Red Wings are a perfect landing spot for Dougie Hamilton, who is being shopped by the New Jersey Devils.
They need more help offensively and defensively, and Hamilton could help satisfy both needs. They also have more than $12 million in cap space and could fit in Hamilton's remaining contract without having to do much else or get too creative.
Yzerman talked about not getting a chance to sign any of the top free agents because a lot of them re-signed in their current spots, or went elsewhere before they could talk to any of them. He can't give up on improving the team after that and needs to get aggressive in the trade market.
Yzerman talked about not getting a chance to sign any of the top free agents because a lot of them re-signed in their current spots, or went elsewhere before they could talk to any of them. He can't give up on improving the team after that and needs to get aggressive in the trade market.
The Red Wings, who have now missed the playoffs for 9 straight years, the longest drought in team history, still have the salary cap space to make a meaningful trade.
Hamilton would be the kind of addition the Red Wings need to strengthen the blue line, and he'll be affordable for Detroit with a $9 million AAV (average annual value), though it's likely they'd want the Devils to retain some of that amount.
Hamilton had 40 points (9G, 31A) in 64 games for the Devils this year. He has also played for the Carolina Hurricanes, Boston Bruins and Calgary Flames in his career.
