Dougie Hamilton's Trade Status Uncertain as Olympic Roster Freeze Looms

The New Jersey Devils face a tight deadline to move the defenseman before the NHL's Olympic trade freeze.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 11:07pm

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The 2026 NHL Olympic trade freeze begins on February 4th and lasts through February 22nd, putting pressure on the New Jersey Devils to finalize a potential Dougie Hamilton trade. Hamilton, who has two years left on his $9 million per year contract, has seen his play decline since a pectoral injury in the 2023-24 season, though he has shown signs of returning to form lately. The Devils are exploring trade options, but Hamilton's partial no-trade clause complicates matters. Teams like the San Jose Sharks and Toronto Maple Leafs have been linked to Hamilton, but it remains unclear if a deal will get done before the trade freeze.

Why it matters

Dougie Hamilton's future with the Devils is a key storyline as the NHL heads into the Olympic break. The team is struggling and may look to move the high-priced defenseman, but the looming trade freeze creates a tight deadline to find a suitable deal. Hamilton's contract and recent injury history complicate matters, making it uncertain whether the Devils can find a trade partner before the freeze kicks in.

The details

The Devils would still be able to trade Hamilton after the Olympic trade freeze is lifted, but sitting on him for weeks while the NHL goes to the Olympics, and Hamilton not being one of the players selected, would be a black cloud over the team. The Devils' season is essentially over after a loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets on Tuesday night, changing the calculus around Hamilton's future. Hamilton hasn't been the same player since his pectoral injury in 2023-24, though he has shown signs of a resurgence lately with 12 points in the last 12 games. The Sharks and Maple Leafs have been linked to Hamilton, but his partial no-trade clause makes a deal difficult to finalize.

  • The 2026 NHL Olympic trade freeze begins at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 4th, and lasts through February 22nd.
  • The Devils lost to the Columbus Blue Jackets on Tuesday night, essentially ending their season.

The players

Dougie Hamilton

A defenseman for the New Jersey Devils who has two years left on a $9 million per year contract. Hamilton was a Norris-caliber defenseman in the 2022-23 season but has seen his play decline since a pectoral injury in 2023-24.

J.P. Barry

Dougie Hamilton's agent, who has said Hamilton would be willing to waive his partial no-trade clause for the right destination.

Colton White

A Devils defenseman who has played well when called up from the minors and could potentially replace Hamilton if he is traded.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.