Dougie Hamilton Agrees to Terms on 7-Year Contract with Devils I RELEASE

Newark, NJ - The New Jersey Devils today agreed to terms with unrestricted free agent defenseman Dougie Hamilton on a seven-year contract worth $63,000,000 with an average annual value of $9,000,000. The announcement was made by New Jersey Devils Executive Vice President/General Manager Tom Fitzgerald.
"We are thrilled to welcome Dougie and his family to the New Jersey Devils organization," said Fitzgerald. "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."
"Our entire staff is excited for what Dougie will provide us on the ice," said Devils Head Coach Lindy Ruff. "He is an elite offensive talent who runs a power play, accompanied by strong defensive play on the back end. At 6'6, his skating, skill, mobility, and ability to stabilize the game in all situations will be key for our team. This continues our bolstering of the blue line heading into next season and is a big addition to what we are building here in Jersey."

Hamilton, 28, spent the past three seasons with the Carolina Hurricanes and totaled 121 points (42g-79a) in 184 regular-season contests. His 42 points (10g-32a) in 55 games ranked tied for fifth for all NHL defensemen last season. Hamilton also collected five points (2g-3a) in 11 2021 Stanley Cup Playoff games for Carolina. Since 2018-19, Hamilton's 42 regular-season goals and 35 even-strength tallies lead all NHL blueliners, while his shot total (609) and game-winning goals (seven- tied) rank third for defensemen.
In 607 career regular-season contests, Hamilton has 106 goals and 235 assists for 341 points (.56 ppg) with a plus-72 rating and 390 penalty minutes. Since the start of his career, he ranks third in even-strength goals (77- tied), fourth in shots (1,676) and ninth in even-strength points (234) amongst defensemen. Drafted ninth overall by the Boston Bruins in the 2011 NHL Draft, Hamilton skated in three seasons with Boston from 2012-13 through 2014-2015. The former first-round selection tallied 83 points (22g-61a) in 178 career regular-season contests with the Bruins, and his 42 points (10g-32a) in 2014-15 led all Boston defensemen. Prior to Hamilton's trade to Carolina in 2018, he spent three seasons with the Calgary Flames from 2015-16 to 2017-18. The right-handed shot defenseman recorded a career-high 50 points (13g-37a) in 2016-17. He totaled 137 (42g-95a) points in 245 regular-season contests for the Flames. Additionally, Hamilton has earned 25 points (8g-17a) in 54 career playoff games between Boston, Calgary, and Carolina.
Born on June 17, 1993, the 6'6, 230lbs. native of Toronto, Ontario also represented his home country in international play at the U20 IIHF World Junior Championship (WJC) in 2011-12 (Bronze Medal) and 2012-13. At the 2011-12 tournament, he led all defensemen with six points (2g-4a). Prior to his professional experience, Hamilton skated in four seasons (2009-10 to 2012-13) with the Niagara IceDogs of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), totaling, 187 points (39g-148a) in 213 career contests.