Red Wings urged not to pursue big fish defenseman on trade market

While the Detroit Red Wings need to consider all options on the table, some choices are smart, and others aren't. One of those who looks like a win, but could end up being a disappointment, is New Jersey Devils defenseman Dougie Hamilton.

He's not the right fit for Detroit.

And as the March trade deadline approaches with playoffs on the horizon, the pressure to make a deal increases. It'd be wise not to waste precious momentum the team has built this season on a veteran like Hamilton.

It has led to conflict between Dylan Larkin and Steve Yzerman before, with a lack of moves in March.

Imagine the response once the team blows $9 million of cap space on Hamilton, a player who has been linked to the Red Wings in ongoing trade rumors.

We can presume that Yzerman operates with the kind of long-term planning that someone like Tom Fitzgerald lacks, blowing the Devils' future on a win-now scenario. Fitzgerald traded away future pieces for overblown contracts and veteran pieces that should've been added close to when they reached contender status.

Since they need veteran leadership on the blueline, Hamilton ($9 million average annual value over the next three-seasons) isn't the right choice. Not when they're in the running for a better choice, Rasmus Andersson.

Here's what the Red Wings would have to trade for him should it come to fruition.

A smart choice as they'll have to consider future extensions for Simon Edvinsson.

He'd be a useful option when the Red Wings make a future run in the playoffs as a leader and top-four blueliner.

If we contrast with the ongoing struggles in New Jersey with Dougie Hamilton, things are looking bleak.

The veteran had been a healthy scratch, the top-pairing defenseman clashed with his GM. It'd cause further descent in the Devils' organization.

A sign that a trade could be in the future, along with pitiful play being the excuse for the benching.

His production has taken a sharp dive this season, scoring only 22 points this season, while logging heavy minutes (21:37), incapable of finding his game.

With other options available across the NHL, including the Blackhawks' Connor Murphy, the Winnipeg Jets' Luke Schenn, and Logan Stanley, all could be a secondary option if Andersson becomes unavailable.

They're affordable options in contrast to Hamilton, who has been a shell of himself, scoring 130 points in 166 games in the last three-years.

We stress "Buyer Beware" when it comes to Dougie Hamilton.

Also read on Detroit Hockey Insider :
Here's what the Red Wings will trade to the Calgary Flames for Rasmus Andersson if a deal comes to fruition