3. Dougie Hamilton
Dougie Hamilton is currently the strongest offensive defenseman on the Devils. This season, the 29-year-old tied a record for most goals by a Devils defenseman in one season, matching Barry Beck with 22. Hamilton is a beast on the power play and has a penchant for dramatic game-tying and game-winning goals. He scored two winning goals in overtime during the regular season and did it again in Game 3 against the Rangers, giving the Devils life in that series.
Hamilton can shut down opponents’ offense when he’s on his A game. He is typically on a line with Jonas Siegenthaler as the top defensive pair. Frustrating defensive mistakes, though, can often lead to him being on the ice for more goals against than for. If he limits the mistakes, Hamilton is a force in the defensive zone.
Hamilton had 54 games of playoff experience prior to the 2022-2023 playoffs. He played on a Bruins team that made it to the Stanley Cup Finals. Hamilton’s game-winning OT goal in Game 3 of Round 1 against the Rangers put the Devils back in the series after falling down 0-2 in the first two games. The Devils stole Game 3 in New York and shifted the momentum, winning three in a row before dropping one game and finally clinching the series in Game 7.
The Devils rely on Hamilton to play well on both sides of the ice. Hamilton tends to rise to the occasion in big moments, so the hope is that he can do so in Round 2. With his knack for being in the perfect spot on the ice at the right time, Hamilton can help New Jersey soar past Carolina.