THE HOCKEY NEWS: Matt Larkin examined some potential destinations for Dougie Hamilton if the 27-year-old defenseman departs the Carolina Hurricanes via free agency.
Larkin cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reporting yesterday the Hurricanes will allow Hamilton to speak with other teams before the free-agent market opens on July 28. Friedman suggested that could set the stage for a sign-and-trade but didn’t rule out the blueliner returning to the Hurricanes if he doesn’t receive better offers elsewhere.
The Chicago Blackhawks, Philadelphia Flyers and Winnipeg Jets could be aggressive suitors given their need for a top-four right-side defenseman. Other possibilities include the Edmonton Oilers and Toronto Maple Leafs. The latter would have to be willing to swap left-side defender Morgan Rielly for a righty like Hamilton.
Larkin included the Detroit Red Wings and Los Angeles Kings under the category of too soon in their rebuild for the soon-to-be 28-year-old Hamilton. He also proposed the possibility of a hockey trade with the Columbus Blue Jackets for Seth Jones or the New Jersey Devils for P.K. Subban if half of his salary was retained.
On pending UFA Gabriel Landeskog – Chambers thinks that after a disappointing series against the Golden Knights the Avs could offer the 28-year old a deal around $5 million at less years than he’ll want. O’Halloran thinks the Los Angeles Kings or Anaheim Ducks could make him an offer he can’t turn down.
Jim Matheson of the Edmonton Journal: wonders if the Edmonton Oilers should look at trading for Boston Bruins winger Jake DeBrusk or if they should target pricier pending unrestricted free agents in Zach Hyman or Brandon Saad.
DeBrusk struggled this past season recording only 14 points in 41 games and was moved to his off-wing after they acquired Taylor Hall. He carries a $3.65 million cap hit with $4.85 in salary next season. The Oilers may need to send money back. Would the Bruins be interested in Zach Kassian?
The Oilers likely aren’t going to be protecting defenseman Oscar Klefbom for the Seattle Kraken expansion draft. He would be a gamble for the Kraken. There are the obvious shoulder issues and there are reports that his final two years ($8.2 million) is not insured.
There is no guarantee that the Oilers will send RFA forward Jujhar Khaira a $1.2 million qualifying offer.
Tampa Bay Lightning pending UFA forward Barclay Goodrow will definitely be on the Oilers radar this offseason. He’s been playing wing for the Lightning but could be a third-line center.
Kurt Leavins of the Edmonton Journal: If Toronto Maple Leafs pending UFA forward Zach Hyman isn’t re-signed, would expect the Edmonton Oilers to be interested. The Oilers won’t be the only team interested if he hits the open market.
The Tampa Bay Lightning will be looking to move out some salary this offseason. They could toss a sweetener to get the Seattle Kraken to select Tyler Johnson. Alex Killorn at $4.45 million could interest the Oilers. Would the Oilers be interested in Taylor Hall if the Bruins don’t bring him back? If the Bruins re-sign Hall, forward Jake DeBrusk could become available.
The Oilers and pending UFA Ryan Nugent-Hopkins‘ agent Rick Valette have resumed contract talks. The Oilers could offer more term in hopes of lower AAV, maybe in the $5.25 to $5.75 million range. A six-year deal would put him at 34-years old when the deal expires but it may take seven or eight years to get the money that low.
Hurricanes grant Hamilton permission to speak with other teams
Elliotte Friedman: The Carolina Hurricanes have given pending unrestricted free agent defenseman Dougie Hamilton permission to speak with others teams.
This opens up a potential sign-and-trade.
Elliotte Friedman: What allowing Hamilton’s camp talk to other teams also does is that it allows Hamilton to see if the Hurricanes do give him the best contract offer,
If he doesn’t like what he hears from other teams, he can return to the Hurricanes.
It is definitely an interesting move by the team and player.
Darren Dreger: J.P. Barry was given permission on Sunday to talk to teams. The sides are not in a rush. Working out a sign-and-trade would make an eight-year deal an option.
Anthony Mingioni: “If you’re the #Flyers, your priority offseason need is a top four, potentially top pair level defenseman. The more available on the market, the better. Whether Hamilton should be the lead candidate in that department can be debated, but he would be an unquestionable upgrade.”
Bill Meltzer: “The news re: Dougie Hamilton is positive for the Flyers, whether he comes here or not. Why? It’s another iron in the fire in an offseason where a slew of options must be explored and then decisive action taken.”
Jim Matheson: “I don’t care what analytics say. Hamilton is one dimensional player.”
JFreshHockey: “This is a pretty reasonable move by Carolina given the issues of signing a 28-year old to big money until he’s 36. But it’s a huge hit on their immediate Cup contention because he’s a really important player who will be tough if not impossible to replace.”
Dougie Hamilton, given permission to speak to other teams by CAR, is a top-end offensive defenceman who shoots and scores a lot and pushes play in the right direction defensively. #LetsGoCanes pic.twitter.com/rcgkG9s2T4
— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) June 14, 2021