Devils sign top prize Dougie Hamilton to seven-year, $63M deal; add Jonathan Bernier
The Daily Goal Horn
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The New Jersey Devils are signing All-Star defenseman Dougie Hamilton to a seven-year, $63 million contract, ESPN and TSN reported Friday.
Hamilton, 28, will join his fourth NHL team after three seasons apiece with the Boston Bruins, Calgary Flames and Carolina Hurricanes.
Devils add star defenseman Dougie Hamilton
“We are thrilled to welcome Dougie and his family to the New Jersey Devils organization,” said GM Tom Fitzgerald in statement. “As a player and person, he has consistently shown a commitment to excellence and will play a leading role in our franchise’s return to an elite level in the League. We believe that the magnitude of his contributions on the ice will be equal to his impact on our culture as we continue to position ourselves for long-term success. I am proud of the work our entire staff did to promote the amazing attributes of this organization and to bring aboard one of the most sought-after free agents this year.”
Hamilton was named to the second All-Star team in 2021 and finished the season with 42 points (10 goals, 32 assists) in 55 games for Carolina. In his nine-year career, Hamilton has played 607 games and racked up 341 points (106 goals, 235 assists).
The Canadian right-shot blueliner helped Carolina reach the playoffs in each of the past three seasons. His career-high mark for points in a single season is 50 for the Flames in 2016-17 (13 goals, 37 assists).
The major signing followed New Jersey adding goaltender Jonathan Bernier on a two-year contract and dealing defenseman Will Butcher and a 2022 fifth-round draft pick to the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for future considerations.
–Field Level Media