Hamilton making impact for Devils season after trade speculation

NEWARK, N.J. -- Dougie Hamilton doesn't view his 15th NHL season as an audition or an opportunity to answer those who wondered whether his time with the New Jersey Devils was ending.

After more than 900 NHL games, a few injuries, and a season in which his name circulated in trade speculation, the 33-year-old defenseman understands some judgments are out of his control.

"I don't think so," Hamilton told NHL.com when asked if he entered this season feeling he had something to prove. "There's lots of different things going on, and I think for me, it's proving to yourself and doing your best.

"At the end of the day, you've got to look yourself in the mirror every day. If you're putting as much work as you can and doing your best, then that's all you can do."

Those familiar with Hamilton know that's a typical response, always understated but certain. He signed with New Jersey for a reason, a seven-year, $63 million contract on July 28, 2021, carrying an average annual value of $9 million through the 2027-28 season.

And he wants to finish what he started.

"I mean, this is where I am; I signed here," Hamilton said. "I like being here, and I signed here for a reason. … You want to be somewhere that you're wanted and feel valued."

Hamilton's name surfaced in trade rumors last season after injuries limited him to 84 games over two seasons, including a torn pectoral muscle that required surgery in 2023-24 and another injury absence in 2024-25.

This season, he's looked like the player the Devils envisioned when they made him one of the NHL's highest-paid defensemen in 2021.

In 10 games, he has five points (one goal, four assists), is tied fourth on the team in shots on goal (26), and is third in average ice time (21:14). He had two assists and a plus-4 rating in a 7-1 victory against the New York Rangers on Oct. 15.

"I think Dougie's in a really good headspace," New Jersey coach Sheldon Keefe said. "It's the best I've seen him in terms of just watching him around the facility and meeting with him and speaking with him myself.

"He understands exactly what it is that we need and want from him, and he just looks comfortable and confident in his own skin. He's just kind of doing his thing."

That 'thing' begins with directing pucks toward the net and this season, he's continuing a career-long pattern for a player who has generated 2,624 shots on goal in 922 regular-season games (2.85 shots per game). He has 545 points (164 goals, 381 assists) in that span.

His NHL EDGE profile also reflects the force behind those attempts. Hamilton's hardest shot this season was measured at 90.50 mph, placing him in the 77th percentile among all players.

"Getting shots through, getting shots in good spots, not getting shots blocked, all that kind of stuff," Hamilton said. "It's something I've always prided myself on, and it's been a big part of my career."

The Devils ability to possess the puck and play in the offensive zone has allowed Hamilton to activate those strengths, but Keefe said his value has extended beyond offense.

"He's certainly done his part, and I think he's been a real good piece defensively as well," Keefe said. "I've been really happy with Dougie."

His partnership with Jonas Siegenthaler has helped create that balance. Siegenthaler provides the defensive foundation, ending plays, recovering pucks, and allowing Hamilton to move the Devils in the opposite direction.

"'Siegs' does a really good job, is probably as good as we have at ending plays and killing plays defensively, winning pucks back, getting people stopped," Keefe said. "That gets the puck going more on offense the other way, and that complements Dougie."

The relationship works off the ice, too.

"It helps when you like the guy off the ice, and we've become really close friends," Hamilton said. "We do things maybe a little different but complement each other well. He's just so good and solid all over the ice that it makes it easy for me."

Last season, the Devils finished 42-37-3, seventh place in the Metropolitan Division and failed to qualify for the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the second time in three seasons.

A successful season, Hamilton said, means "to win, simple as that."

In addition to his solid start, Hamilton and his brother, Freddie, recently learned that they will become the first players in the history of the Niagara IceDogs in the Ontario Hockey League to have their jerseys retired. The ceremony will take place at the Meridian Centre in Niagara, Ontario, on Feb. 7.

"It definitely was a surprise and something that I'll probably always remember," Hamilton said. "Hearing about it … not expecting it and then finding out. It was very special and we're looking forward to it."