We were just asking for some accountability. For months, we felt that the New Jersey Devils were being driven by something other than accountability. And it was killing the team. It felt like mistakes didn’t lead to benchings, and teams were taking advantage of those mistakes, leading to losses.
Eventually, the calls for accountability moved its focus to the top. Fans and analysts have been calling for a major change in Devils leadership. Whether it was GM Tom Fitzgerald or head coach Sheldon Keefe, change felt necessary if the Devils were to save their season. On Monday, we learned that a decision on Fitzgerald wouldn’t come during the season.
On Saturday, accountability finally came, but the decision actually came with more questions.
Keefe announced that the Devils would be benching Dougie Hamilton with Johnny Kovacevic returning from injury. While Hamilton is clearly not playing well this season, despite what the analytics might tell you, he definitely wasn’t the biggest issue on the ice. He needs to take fewer penalties, and he can’t lose his man in the defensive zone, but every defenseman has made those mistakes this season.
That’s what led his agent to question the motivation behind the benching. We learned through the rumor mill that Fitzgerald has been trying to trade Hamilton for months, but he’s used his no-trade clause to block a few deals, including a deal to the San Jose Sharks around the NHL Draft.
On Monday, just one day after Hamilton watched the Devils lose to the Winnipeg Jets, he went scorched Earth to help his team win. Hamilton was incredible on Monday, outplaying Quinn Hughes in the Hughes Bowl. He had two primary assists on Jesper Bratt goals, In 19 minutes of ice time, Hamilton was on for three goals and zero against. It might be his best performance of the year.
Dougie Hamilton was incredible against the Minnesota Wild, and he can do it again
And it’s repeatable. Hamilton has this in him. Something was clearly bothering him all season. Whether it was his early-season injury still lingering or the mental toll that comes with a team trying to get rid of you, this hasn’t been the best season for Hamilton.
For one night, he showed what happens after a reset. Hamilton was amazing. His offensive instincts showed he should still have immense value across the league. Even with the $9 million price tag, he can push a team to the next level.
And that team could still be the Devils. People expect this to be a guarantee that he’s traded. We think it’s more likely than not that he is moved, but he could be here until at least March, and if he plays like this, he’ll help them get back into this playoff race before he goes.