NHL trade rumors already had Dougie Hamilton becoming a free agent as the Carolina Hurricanes will be tight against the salary cap next year with other players needing to be re-signed.
Earlier this week Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman confirmed that Carolina has given Dougie Hamilton permission to talk to other NHL teams. Opens potential for a sign-and-trade.
Hamilton is 6-foot-6 and 229 pounds. He moves tremendously well for such a big man. He’s the best goal-scorer at his position, leading all NHL defenceman over the past four years despite the fact he missed 21 games with a broken leg last year.
Matt Larkin of Sports Illustrated is reporting Hamilton will seek a contract of close to $9 million/year which makes it tough for Carolina to re-sign him.
The teams that will have interest in the right-shot Dman are the Philadelphia Flyers, Chicago Blackhawks and Winnipeg Jets. The LA Kings and Detroit Red Wings also have the cap space and interest but Hamilton will likely be looking to sign with a playoff contending team than a rebuilding one.
