Overview
- Head coach Sheldon Keefe labeled Hamilton the odd man out with the right side finally healthy and Johnathan Kovacevic activated for Sunday’s game in Winnipeg.
- General manager Tom Fitzgerald framed the move as a lineup choice, emphasizing opportunities for Simon Nemec and steady roles for Brett Pesce and Kovacevic.
- Hamilton’s agent J.P. Barry called the scratch a business decision he views as calculated and said the player is open to expanding his 10-team list or other creative trade solutions.
- Reporting by Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman says Hamilton blocked a summer trade to the San Jose Sharks using his no-trade protection, with current interest from San Jose uncertain.
- Hamilton has 10 points in 40 games this season and carries a $9 million AAV with no-move protections, factors that make trade talks complex as the clock runs toward March 6.