2025-26 New Jersey Devils Report Cards: Dougie Hamilton – Hockey Writers – New Jersey Devils

The New Jersey Devils’ 2025-26 season has been a whirlwind of uncertainty, with no shortage of injuries, instability, and drop points. Despite making a good push at the end of the season, they were unable to secure a postseason berth. Finishing the season 42-37-3, the Devils are looking to have an active offseason as they try to take another step toward becoming a Stanley Cup contender.

Throughout the season, every player on the roster has contributed in some way, some making a bigger impact than others. This installment focuses on defenseman Dougie Hamilton, who has had an interesting season filled with highs and lows.

Hamilton’s performance for 2025-26

Hamilton’s 2025-26 performance can be described in one word: riot. Known for being an attacking defender, he struggled early in the season. After scoring seven points in October, he had just one assist in November. Likewise, he was sidelined for a while due to a physical injury, then he was pointless for the rest of December.

But he made an impressive comeback in the second half of the season. Following a healthy scratch against the Winnipeg Jets in January, Hamilton went on a ten-game point streak, totaling 12 points during that span.

Overall, he finished the season with 39 points, which led all Devils defensemen but showed a decline in previous seasons. Not only was Hamilton on the ice for 21 more goals than last season, but he also saw a 41.5% increase in scoring opportunities. However, he performed better than most of the team during 5-on-5 situations, scoring six of his 12 goals within those situations.

In addition, Hamilton has excelled in creating scoring opportunities. Based on data from NHL Edge, he ranks in the 98th percentile in shots on goal among the league’s defensemen, with 203 in 2025-26. He even led the Devils’ blue line in a variety of numbers, including goals (3.18 GF/60), shots (32.59 SF/60), and dangerous scoring opportunities (14.76 HDCF/60). Overall, Hamilton may have had a rough start to the season, but he has bounced back and made a big impact.

Hamilton’s impact on the Devils

It cannot be denied that Hamilton was the catalyst for the Devils becoming a team determined to win. He turned the tide in New Jersey, bringing a struggling team closer to being a playoff contender five years ago.

He signed a seven-year, $63 million contract as an unrestricted free agent (UFA) in 2021 and was brought in as a veteran defensive tackle. Since then, he has recorded 199 points in 305 regular season games with the Devils, and six points in 17 playoff games.

As a valuable defensive veteran, he not only bolsters the Devils’ offense but also plays a key role in their power play. Even after being demoted from their power play unit this season, Hamilton still recorded 14 points, 70 shot attempts, and 33 man-advantage shots.

Over the past five seasons, he has been a standout in terms of his shot volume, special teams contributions, and long-term leadership. His point production may have dipped in recent seasons, but he continues to be a powerhouse. As long as he stays healthy, Hamilton can be an elite defenseman, as evidenced by his career-high 74 points in the 2022-23 season.

Even with his scoring slump in 2025-26, his impact should not be discounted. He is still in charge of a 77-game campaign, and the rest of the team has dealt with a number of injuries and roster adjustments.

The future of Hamilton and the Devil

After being the subject of trade rumors all season, Hamilton’s future in New Jersey is one of the team’s biggest uncertainties. Although he saved his performance this season, his $9 million average annual value (AAV) remains a major source of controversy. With two years left on his contract, it’s time for the Devils to decide whether or not to move on.

During locker room cleaning last week, Hamilton declined to speak to the media. In the latest episode of Hello HockeyNHL insider David Pagnotta revealed that he is still on the trade market – although he blocked a move from the San Jose Sharks, who tried to acquire him last summer.

Now that the team is in the market for a new tool this summer, trading Hamilton would be a great way to free up cap space. Also, the team has two strong young defenders in Luke Hughes and Simon Nemec. Together, these two represent the future of the Devils’ blue line, and both are known for their offensive abilities. But only time will tell if they can fill Hamilton’s shoes.

Overall Grade

Following Hamilton’s whirlwind season, his overall grade for 2025-26 is a B+. He made a remarkable comeback in the second half of the season but struggled at times. Unfortunately, it looks like his time with the Devils could come to an end sometime this summer. Between the high cap hit, reduced impact, and frequent injuries, the team needs to weigh the potential liabilities of his offensive contributions.

Likewise, shedding his salary will provide opportunities to improve other areas, such as goal scoring and secondary scoring. But if he continues his high-octane pace from the end of the season, it will be difficult to match his contributions at the end of 2026-27.