Overview
- Elliotte Friedman said the Hamilton market has crawled to a standstill, with New Jersey unlikely to move him without an overwhelming proposal.
- Luke Hughes’ shoulder injury and LTIR status have heightened the Devils’ need for Hamilton in the near term.
- Hamilton has rebounded since a mid-January healthy scratch, posting eight points in his last seven games as New Jersey went 5-1 in that stretch.
- The veteran defenseman carries a full no-move clause, a 10-team trade list, and two years remaining after this season, limiting options despite reported interest from Toronto.
- The Devils are three points out of third place in the Metropolitan Division, and their playoff push is weighing on trade timing and decisions.