The New Jersey Devils' ambitious plan to unite the Hughes brothers this NHL season suffered a major setback last Friday. Their target, Vancouver Canucks defenseman and Norris Trophy winner Quinn Hughes, was traded to the Minnesota Wild, dashing New Jersey's hopes.
Salary Cap Crisis Forces Tough Decisions
Despite the NHL's salary cap rising to $95.5 million from last season's $85.5 million, the Devils find themselves in a precarious financial position. The franchise is currently $5.9 million over the cap limit. To become cap-compliant before the trade freeze at the end of December, the team must shed significant salary.
According to ESPN insider Kevin Weekes, the two players most likely to be placed on the trade block are veteran defenseman Dougie Hamilton and forward Ondrej Palat. Both carry substantial contracts that are straining the Devils' books. Hamilton has a $9 million annual cap hit, while Palat's deal carries a $6 million Average Annual Value (AAV) and runs through the next season.
Major Hurdles in Trading Key Players
General Manager Tom Fitzgerald's task is complicated by more than just the dollar figures. Both Hamilton and Palat possess No-Trade Clauses covering 10 teams. This clause gives the players significant control, effectively removing 10 potential trade destinations and making negotiations highly dependent on their cooperation.
The team's on-ice performance adds urgency to the situation. With a disappointing record of 11 wins, 17 losses, and 3 overtime losses, the Devils are on the brink of falling out of playoff contention. The leadership believes roster changes are necessary, but to bring in new talent, they must first create cap space by moving out existing contracts.
Why Hamilton and Palat Are Trade Candidates
The decision to sign Luke Hughes to a long-term extension has contributed to the financial squeeze. While the 21-year-old defenseman is seen as a core piece for the future, the same security does not apply to the older veterans.
Dougie Hamilton's value has been impacted by his injury history. In three of his four seasons with New Jersey, he has missed at least 18 games, making other teams cautious about acquiring the 30-year-old. Ondrej Palat, meanwhile, is viewed as a potential cap dump candidate due to his age and declining offensive production, which has reportedly left him with minimal trade value.
Even if interest exists, the 10-team no-trade lists pose a massive challenge. With 10 teams off-limits per player, 21 other NHL clubs are already out of the running for each, severely limiting Fitzgerald's options. How the Devils navigate this complex cap and trade maze will be critical to salvaging their season.
