Dougie Hamilton should replace Alex Pietrangelo for 4 Nations Face-Off

The New Jersey Devils and the rest of the National Hockey League are quickly approaching the Four-Nations Faceoff break. While most of the rosters are set, team Canada will have to make a change. On Sunday night, Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Alex Pietrangelo withdrew from Canada's roster to focus on an ailment he's dealing with. Now with an opening on the backend, that allows Devils' defenseman Dougie Hamilton to become a part of the team. He's earned the opportunity with his play and impact on New Jersey's success.

While there are some other good names out there like Evan Bouchard of the Edmonton Oilers, Aaron Ekblad of the Florida Panthers, and Drew Doughty of the Los Angeles Kings, Hamilton gives Canada another offensive defenseman who can be a QB on either PP1 or PP2. The defenseman has compiled seven goals and 33 points on the year. He also has improved his defensive game with the help of his partner Brenden Dillion. Hamilton currently has a +/- +3 with 71 blocks and 56 hits. Both are at the top half of the Devils. At age 31, the Toronto, Ontario native is in the middle of the prime of his career and is a major factor in team success.

From a team standpoint, the Devils should want as few players from the roster to participate as possible. Jacob Markstrom will likely miss the tournament after his injury last week, Erik Haula is questionable for Finland, and Jack Hughes is nicked up as well. Jesper Bratt is the only healthy member left to participate in the tournament. Dougie Hamilton and the Devils could decline the invitation if given to him, which may be the right move. However, it's not often you get the chance to play for your country in an international competition.

Dougie Hamilton is the perfect addition for Team Canada at the 4 Nations Face-Off

As mentioned before, Hamilton is 31 years of age and it may not guarantee he'll get the call for the Olympics next February. So, if Canada wants to bring him to replace Pietrangelo, it will be tough for the Devils' top defenseman to decline. Again, other names deserve just as much of an opportunity to be on the roster as Dougie. However, with his offensive ability and an improved defensive game, Hamilton should be given heavy consideration to help Canada in the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament.

Plays like the one above make Hamilton a perfect candidate to replace Pietrangelo. He brings a booming shot and adds more of an offensive boost to Canada's backend. He has also become much more reliable on both ends, which Canada's and Tampa Bay Lightning head coach Jon Cooper wants out of his defensive core. It most likely won't happen if Doughty is game-ready by the time the tournament starts, but Hamilton's play has undoubtedly given the people in charge something to think about. He got snubbed earlier from being on the roster, the hope is that he gets a second chance. He deserves it.