The New Jersey Devils have played very well this season, and a lot it is thanks to the defense. The additions of Johnathan Kovacevic and Brett Pesce have been great. Luke Hughes figured out he can become a defensive defenseman, and a great one at that. Jonas Siegenthaler found his game again, and he's been one of the best at his position. The defense has driven the team to victories on multiple occassions. They also made life easier for Jacob Markstrom and Jake Allen.
One pairing that isn't getting as much love is Brenden Dillon and Dougie Hamilton. There's a reason for that. Those two haven't had the best chemistry. Hamilton has looked slower at times, but he's working his way back from injury.
However, the numbers tell a different story. Hamilton has 19 points in 26 games. He once again got his spot back on power play 1 for the Devils, and they've been scoring at will with the man advantage. Only eight defensemen have more total points than Hamilton, and literally one point puts him in the top five in the league.
So, then why is he seeing his name described as "on the outside" for the upcoming 4 Nations Face-Off?
Dougie Hamilton should prepare to be snubbed for the 4 Nations Face-Off.
Most analysts and writers have Hamilton on the outside looking in. The 32 Thoughts podcast just discussed how all of the rosters would shape up, and Hamilton didn't get one vote from the three hosts. He didn't even really get much of an argument. TSN doesn't have him on the roster. They opted for Chris Tanev, who is a recently signed Toronto Maple Leaf, instead. Hamilton used to play for the Bruins, but that wasn't enough for NBC Sports Boston to put him on their roster.
Pretty much everyone is keeping Hamilton off their roster. Is it because his play on the ice isn't good enough? Cale Makar and Quinn Hughes are going to require spots on the power play, and their forward core runs 20 deep. They don't need Hamilton on the PP, although his shot there would be nice. He's also not the best at defense, although we'd argue he's slightly underrated.
The Devils star is going to get a well-earned vacation next February, and that's probably the best news the Devils can hear. It would be devastating if the Devils lost Hamilton for something that is essentially an exhibition.