Report: Leafs Linked to Dougie Hamilton as Chris Tanev Injury Looms
The latest Dougie Hamilton trade rumors have exploded this week, linking the Maple Leafs to the Devils star just as the team faces a potential crisis with Chris Tanev’s health.
TSP Insider Trading: Jan 13 Update
We are tracking multiple reports regarding the Maple Leafs’ defensive search following the Chris Tanev injury news.
The Dougie Hamilton Link:
- Pierre LeBrun (TSN): Identifies Toronto as a “potential fit” but notes the contract hurdle.
- Nick Kypreos (Sportsnet): Reports that Hamilton “would definitely entertain” a trade to Toronto (waiving NTC).
- The Cost: $9M AAV for two more years. Retention is mandatory.
The defensive market is heating up rapidly. With the New Jersey Devils actively shopping their $9 million defenseman—going as far as healthy scratching him over the weekend—Insider Trading on TSN has identified the Maple Leafs as one of the few logical landing spots.
Dougie Hamilton Trade Rumors: The Insider Report
Speaking on TSN’s Insider Trading Tuesday, Pierre LeBrun confirmed that despite Hamilton’s return to the Devils’ lineup on Monday, the team remains focused on finding a trade resolution. He explicitly named two teams to watch in these developing Dougie Hamilton trade rumors:
“Carolina and Toronto are among the potential fits. Let me stress potential… With the Leafs, I think there’s no question they’re not taking him at $9 million a year, the Devils would have to retain. So we’ll see where it goes.” — Pierre LeBrun, TSN
This connection is not coincidental. Leafs GM Brad Treliving has a history with Hamilton from their days in Calgary, where he acquired the defenseman in a blockbuster deal in 2018.
The Catalyst: Chris Tanev’s Surgery?
Why would Toronto consider taking on such a massive contract? Desperation. Reports surfaced earlier this week that veteran defenseman Chris Tanev is considering surgery for a groin injury that could effectively end his season.
If Tanev hits Long-Term Injured Reserve (LTIR), it would open up significant cap space ($4.5M), creating a clearer path to absorb a portion of Hamilton’s salary.
The $9 Million Obstacle
The primary hurdle in any deal is Hamilton’s contract. He carries a $9 million AAV through the 2027-28 season. LeBrun noted that New Jersey is also trying to move Andre Palat ($6M) to clear space, meaning they are motivated sellers, but retaining salary on Hamilton for three years (this season + two more) is a heavy ask.
| Dougie Hamilton Contract | Details |
|---|---|
| Cap Hit | $9,000,000 |
| Term Remaining | 2 Years (Expires 2028) |
| Clauses | No-Move Clause (NMC) / 10-Team Trade List |
| 2025-26 Stats | 12 Points in 41 Games (Career Low Pace) |
Kypreos: “Hamilton Would Waive”
Adding fuel to the fire, Sportsnet’s Nick Kypreos reported on Tuesday that the “Toronto native” factor is real. According to Kypreos, Hamilton would “definitely entertain” waiving his no-trade clause to come home to the Leafs.
TSP Analysis: A Distressed Asset?
Hamilton’s stock is at an all-time low. He has struggled offensively this season (12 points in 41 games) and was healthy scratched by New Jersey. However, his underlying numbers suggests he is still an elite puck mover.
If Treliving can convince New Jersey to retain 30-40% of the salary, acquiring a 6’6″ right-shot defenseman with top-pair pedigree for ~$6M might be the gamble Toronto needs to make to save their blue line.
For the original report on Hamilton and other league news, visit TSN Insider Trading.