Auston Matthews and the Toronto Maple Leafs are looking to reassemble the pieces after Mitch Marner’s dramatic departure, which shook the team’s foundation. Now, as the Leafs set their sights on a veteran NHL talent who once played alongside Brad Marchand, they might be running headfirst into a wall.
The 2025 NHL offseason is only getting started, yet it has already been a rollercoaster ride for Matthews and company. Marner’s departure flung the door wide open for several moves in Toronto—yet the Maple Leafs are far from done.
As Matthews’ side looks to bolster its blue line, one name has recently gained traction and could shape up to be an intriguing figure in the NHL. Marchand himself won’t be joining the Leafs, but a former Boston Bruins’ teammate of the veteran forward might. That is, if Toronto can clear a significant hurdle first.
“The Maple Leafs are among the teams kicking tires on Dougie Hamilton in New Jersey,” The Leafs Nation’s Nick Richard said on his X account. “I don’t know how the trade would work or how seriously the Devils are shopping Hamilton but I’ve been told the Leafs’ interest is legitimate.”
Just a tiny detail
While buzz has grown around Hamilton’s future, there is still a bigger cloud casting shadow above any potential move. Plain and simple, the Devils have yet to make up their minds. New Jersey is still exploring its options in regards to the 32-year-old blueliner.
“I know [Dougie Hamilton’s] name was kind of out there, and I know the Devils have been talking to a couple of teams,” insider Elliotte Friedman said on the 32 Thoughts Podcast. Still, the possibility of a trade might be a long shot. “I don’t have a great feel for it in terms of percentage/chances that anything occurs.“
Potential departure
Regardless of whether Hamilton actually becomes available via trade from the Devils, the Maple Leafs are looking to add more pieces to their lineup. On that note, Matthews and company might have to say goodbye to a prospect to make room for incoming talent.
“I’ve started to hear [Leafs prospect] Ben Danford’s name as a piece that they might consider to dangle,” insider David Pagnotta commented on the JD Bunkis podcast.
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Danford was selected with the 31st pick in the 2024 Draft by the Maple Leafs and has signed a three-year, entry-level contract. However, he has yet to take a rookie lap and make his NHL debut.