Hamilton, 32, is a complicated trade chip for the Devils due to the fact that he owns a 10-team trade list, which essentially gives him the control to block trades to 22 other teams. He’s signed for a whopping $9 million AAV for two more seasons, and so far this year he’s managed just 13 points in 42 games despite playing 21:37 of ice time, second-most among all Devils.
This would be an extremely complicated trade for the Leafs based on a number of variables. Right now, Toronto has $3.3 million in cap space and a few key players on injured reserve. As a reminder, Hamilton comes in at $9 million AAV through the 2028 season. Another important aspect of this trade is that the Leafs don’t have a lot of trade capital to dangle to other teams, which ties Treliving’s hands significantly, but that’s mostly his fault, and a little bit of leftover carnage from Kyle Dubas. Ultimately, Treliving will have to get creative to create a package that not only appeals to Fitzgerald, but also works financially.
How exactly could a trade between the Leafs and Devils involving Hamilton work? One option is to bring in a third team to help lower Hamilton’s remaining cap hit, which has been a common trend in recent seasons. It would cost the Leafs something to get the third team to agree, so this could either be their 2027 second-round pick or one of the top prospects outside of Easton Cowan, Dennis Hildeby and Ben Danford.
Another option to facilitate this trade is to include both Calle Jarnkrok and Simon Benoit in the deal. Devils head coach Sheldon Keefe has been crying out for more emotion from his hockey club and more physical strength lately, and both Jarnkrok and Benoit have a great work ethic and some jam in their games. Add to that the fact that Jarnkrok is at $2.1 million and Benoit is at $1.3 million, and that helps bridge the financial gap and the likelihood that the Leafs will acquire an expensive defenseman.
While Hamilton’s trade value is at an all-time low and the Devils appear willing to sell, moving Jarnkrok and Benoit alone won’t be enough. This means that a mid-range prospect can also be included in the package. And don’t forget the 2027 second round for a team like the Chicago Blackhawks or Anaheim Ducks, as they skim a bit off the top of Hamilton’s AAV.
Are four pieces for Hamilton worth it? Absolute. Concerned about his production this season? Think about it this way: How would you play knowing that the GM has tried to trade you multiple times in the last six months? Hamilton needs a change of scenery to return to the impactful blueliner he has been in the past. He would give the Maple Leafs a right-handed power play quarterback, something they haven’t had and desperately needed since Tyson Barrie was thrust into the role. Hamilton can play heavy minutes, he can provide secondary scoring, and at 6-foot-4, he is a presence at the back who would be extremely motivated to perform as a Leaf.
Ultimately, Leafs Nation should be excited because it sounds like the Maple Leafs’ recent hot streak is making Treliving more aggressive than ever on the trade market. They have been looking for a top four defender for months, and Hamilton has quickly become the talk of the town, and rightly so. But ultimately, this deal could come down to how much another team wants to “buy” a 2027 second-round pick.
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