New Jersey Devils Star Out for Season Giving Team Opportunity to Circumvent Cap

PUBLICATION

TJ Tucker
December 21, 2023 (8:01)

SHARE THIS STORY

With the New Jersey Devils hoping to make the playoffs this season, GM Tom Fitzgerald now has an opportunity to make some sneaky cap moves to improve the team.

TSN's Pierre LeBrun has given an update on the injury status of Devils defenceman Dougie Hamilton, and it's not positive. It does, however, free up a lot of cash for New Jersey to use that could pay off big in the long run.

"They don't have a firm timeline but my understanding is he's probably out until the playoffs, until perhaps late April, early May. The flip side to that, they have a $9M cap hit to play with."

Not only does Fitzgerald have $9 million to play with, Hamilton's return timeline comes at a perfect time. With that much money, Fitzgerald could add a couple of players if he wanted, and still be able to have them, and Hamilton, participate in the playoffs where the cap rules are far more relaxed.

"They've already been doing their due diligence on the D market, but they can also potentially add a goalie, they can add a couple of players that can help that roster with that $9M."

Hamilton tore a pectoral muscle in a game against the New York Islanders at the end of November. New Jersey is outside of a playoff spot at the moment, but not by much, and there's plenty of time to go.