Hamilton’s 9M cap hit remains a central consideration with three years left and a 10-team no-trade list, complicating potential cap-clearing moves and shaping the Devils’ long-term planning.

Hamilton faces major trade talk centered on his $9 million cap hit, which tightens New Jersey's room as they push to sign Luke Hughes. Devils insist he stays, citing a Cup-window and his value on special teams and defense, aided by his no-trade clause that limits destinations.

Hamilton's three years at $9M with a 10-team modified no-trade clause could become a focal point in Devils' cap management if Luke Hughes signs long-term, potentially pressuring team decisions around the trade deadline.

Dougie Hamilton enters the Devils’ discussion as a veteran presence whose role could shift with Luke Hughes’s development and potential future roster moves. His fantasy impact hinges on ice time, specialty teams, and defensive pairing stability.

Hamilton’s hefty cap hit looms as a key constraint if NJD signs Luke Hughes long term. The discussion contemplates how to relabel or restructure Hamilton’s contract to fit Luke’s deal and preserve balance, suggesting that the Devils may need to explore moves or reductions to keep the blue line functional and cap-compliant.