The New Jersey Devils did not acquire Quinn Hughes. However, they’re still on the market trying to make deals.
On Monday morning, Elliotte Friedman revealed via 32 Thoughts the Podcast that one of the Devils’ hurdles in trying to acquire the eldest Hughes brother was their inability to move contracts with clauses.
“I do believe the Devils have had a couple of deals vetoed. Okay? I do believe that. I don’t know who, I don’t know what, but I do believe that’s happened,” Friedman said. “There’s too much noise out there for that not to have occurred.”
Among the contracts with clauses are Dougie Hamilton and Ondrej Palat.
According to NHL insider, Kevin Weekes, the Devils are trying to move one or both players.
“Per sources, I’m told D Hamilton and F Palat are among names that have been discussed in potential trade scenarios with the Devils,” Weekes tweeted later on Monday morning.
This isn’t the first time Hamilton’s name has come up in trade discussions. As the Devils were trying to extend defenseman, Luke Hughes, over the summer, it was revealed New Jersey was taking inquiries to gauge interest in the 32-year-old defenseman.
Hamilton addressed those rumors by explaining he tries to tune them out, and he wants to win in New Jersey.
“I signed here for a reason, and I love being here. Our goal is to win the Stanley Cup here, and I want to keep trying to do that,” Hamilton said.
Hamilton has two years left on his contract after the 2025-26 season, with a $9 million cap hit. Embedded in his deal is a full no-move clause, and a 10-team trade list.
Palat has the same no-move, 10-team no trade clause in his contract that carries a $6 million AAV for this season and next.
Hamilton is on pace for 22 points, which would be his lowest total in a non-injured season since his rookie year.
Likewise, Palat is on pace for 17 points in 82 games, which would be the lowest point total in his career.
