There is no secret that the Detroit Red Wings want to add another defenseman ahead of the trade deadline. After all, the team is allowing over three goals per game in 2025-26. As previously reported, Detroit made a serious run at acquiring superstar Quinn Hughes from the Vancouver Canucks. Although they missed out on a deal, they have since pivoted to other targets.
It was revealed on January 12 that the Red Wings were interested in Calgary Flames veteran Rasmus Andersson. A potential trade, however, appears contingent on the blueliner agreeing to a contract extension with Detroit. This particular scenario would likely be GM Steve Yzerman’s preferred choice. Nevertheless, Andersson could believe that he will make more money in free agency come summertime.
Assuming a deal cannot be worked out between Detroit and Calgary, the Red Wings may shift focus to New Jersey. RG’s James Murphy is claiming that Detroit is one of several teams to hold interest in Devils star Dougie Hamilton. The defenseman is almost certain to depart his current club soon, and a host of teams would like to acquire him.
While the Red Wings have competition for Hamilton, they seemingly have an advantage over the other suitors. The veteran has a 10-team no-trade clause in his current contract. According to the aforementioned report, the Toronto Maple Leafs and Utah Mammoth are on the list. Both clubs have been linked with a move for Hamilton in recent weeks.
Detroit Red Wings Can Afford Dougie Hamilton’s Huge Salary
GettyDougie Hamilton’s time with the New Jersey Devils is likely coming to an end soon.
On top of the stipulation in Hamilton’s contract, Detroit is also one of the few contenders to have enough money to afford the star. The veteran signed a seven-year, $63 million ($9 million AAV) deal with the Devils in 2021. As a result, Hamilton is under contract until the summer of 2028. Because of the massive deal, Yzerman would not have to worry about losing the blueliner after the current campaign.
According to PuckPedia.com, the Red Wings have nearly $27 million in current cap space. This is the second-highest figure among all NHL teams. The Edmonton Oilers and Las Vegas Golden Knights, two other teams interested in strengthening their blue line, cannot take Hamilton’s $9 million AAV cap hit.
Bleacher Report has also named the Carolina Hurricanes as a potential landing spot for Hamilton. Although the Canes do have cap space, a reunion with the star seems fairly unlikely. Hamilton previously played for Carolina before joining New Jersey as a free agent. The Canes also have a set blue line at the moment.
Hamilton Likely to be Traded in Coming Days
Hamilton’s situation in New Jersey became precarious when head coach Sheldon Keefe recently made the veteran a healthy scratch. It is safe to say that the move did not go down well with the player. Hamilton’s agent even told The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun that his client is open to a move away from the team.
Despite Hamilton’s star status, his statistics have dropped significantly during the current campaign. In fact, the blueliner has just 12 points in 41 games in 2025-26. It remains to be seen if the veteran’s fall off would scare Detroit away. Yzerman, however, is clearly looking to acquire a veteran defenseman, and New Jersey would likely sweeten the deal by retaining some of Hamilton’s massive salary.
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