15 most important people in New Jersey Devils organization: 5. Dougie Hamilton

The New Jersey Devils had a rough go in 2023-24. They had injuries and a lot of bad goaltending which is what most people point to as an explanation for their struggles. There is one injury that sticks out above the rest. 

In November, Dougie Hamilton had an injury that took him out for the entire season. From that point on, New Jersey was set back in the worst way. They called up Simon Nemec for good at that point and he was awesome. However, with Luke Hughes already there, that meant that two teenage rookies were playing big NHL minutes at the hardest position in the sport. 

They may get there already, especially Hughes, but they also can’t be as prolific offensively as Hamilton is at the peak of his prime. That was a huge loss for the Devils and a big reason they missed the playoffs. 

Dougie Hamilton is as important to the New Jersey Devils as anyone

Now, it is clear that he’s the 5th most important person in the organization right now coming into 2024-25. They saw last year just how important he is as they found out what it looks like without him. It wasn’t pretty. 

In 2024-25, Hamilton should step back into his role as the number one guy on this team. Now that Hughes and Nemec are another year better, Hamilton has a good defense around him. Jonas Siegenthaler is still there and desperately needs Hamilton back on his pair. 

With new additions like Brett Pesce and Brenden Dillon there as well, Hamilton will be leading a solid defense with good playmakers and defenders. If they can all stay healthy, it is going to be a fun unit to watch. 

Hamilton will provide a certain leadership that was also missing on and off the ice. Most of New Jersey’s best players are very young and were missing that veteran voice last year. His being an elite player makes his leadership more powerful.