4 Things We Learned From New Jersey Devils Exit Interviews

2. Dougie Hamilton played with more injuries than we even knew

The New Jersey Devils expected a lot out of Dougie Hamilton this season. For the first half of the season, he looked like he was going to be worth every penny of that $9 million salary. Then, he got hit in the face with a puck. That knocked him out of action for six weeks, and he eventually returned with a cage around his face. He was clearly not as good as he was before the injury, and he never really recovered. He told the media on Sunday that he actually suffered nerve damage in his face. Ever try to work with a toothache? This sounds 10x worse. He also revealed he was playing with a broken toe, which is another ailment that should heal fully in the offseason.

Jonathan Bernier spoke, saying he hopes his hip is going to fully heal by the time training camp rolls around. To be honest, that sounds like hope more than realism. However, if it’s a goal he’s putting out there publically, that means it’s at least a possibility. That will make the Devils goalie decision much harder, but it’s something they will deal with when they absolutely have to.

Miles Wood talked about why he had to shut it down at the end of the season. Apparently, the hip wasn’t healing properly after games. That’s not what the Devils want to hear, especially in a contract year. Giving him a long-term deal might not be a risk worth taking for the Devils, and they might give Wood a one-year deal and risk unrestricted free agency.