The New Jersey Devils actually got one of the bigger free agents this summer. You can even make an argument that he is that number one fish this year. He is coming to New Jersey to be their new number one defenseman. He is going to help them in the immediate future but he will have a long-lasting impact as this organization tries to pivot out of its bad stretch.
Hamilton will be one of the older players on the team. The core is trying to be built around recently drafted stars like Nico Hischier, Jack Hughes, Ty Smith, Mackenzie Blackwood, Alex Holtz, and Luke Hughes. With someone like Hamilton joining the mix, there should be a fair amount of success in the future for them.
When he gets there, Damon Severson, Ty Smith, and the other young defensemen that are trying to make their way on the team should benefit from this. If P.K. Subban can find some magic in his game as well, this should be a decent group for the 2021-22 season.
Why was Hamilton so coveted this summer? Well, he was brilliant in the 2020-21’s short season. He came in 4th place for the Norris Trophy because of his brilliance. Hamilton had 10 goals and 32 assists for 42 points in 55 games played. He was also brilliant defensively which allowed him to thrive in the offensive zone. His CorsiFor of 55 percent proves that the Carolina Hurricanes were a significantly better team at even-strength when he was on the ice.
The New Jersey Devils have landed free-agent defenseman Dougie Hamilton.
Doug Hamilton done deal with @NJDevils 7 years north of 60m. #jackpot @Line_Movement @littlebuddhaco @NHL #signingseason
— Nick Kypreos (@RealKyper) July 28, 2021
The New Jersey Devils are trying their best to reenergize their fanbase and it is all coming together. A lot of people expected them to not do anything this year but they have done well. Things haven’t gone well over the past few years but this could be a turning point. Dougie Hamilton is an elite defenseman that makes everyone around him better.
The fact that New Jersey landed a big-time free agent like this could make their perception around the league better as well. He chose to come to the Devils and that might make others actually realize what they are doing. They are supplementing a nice young core that they have built. If their young players can reach their potential, there is a lot of value in a team like this. Adding someone as experienced and skilled as Dougie Hamilton will go a long way. Hopefully, this all works out for the best.