Did Dougie Hamilton make a mistake passing on the San Jose Sharks? This is a question swirling around the NHL as the 2025-26 season unfolds. Recent reports indicate that Hamilton, currently with the New Jersey Devils, blocked a trade to the Sharks during the summer. At the time, the Devils were considered contenders, while the Sharks were expected to be in a rebuilding phase. However, the tables have turned, leaving Hamilton's decision under scrutiny.
As of January 11, 2026, the San Jose Sharks hold a record of 22-18-3, placing them fourth in the Pacific Division. In contrast, the New Jersey Devils are sixth in the Metropolitan Division with a 22-20-2 record. The Sharks' surprising performance, fueled by young talent like Macklin Celebrini, has positioned them as a team on the rise. Celebrini has been a standout player, accumulating 70 points in 44 games, including 46 assists. Meanwhile, the Devils have struggled to meet expectations, currently on a losing streak and facing questions about team chemistry and performance.
Hamilton's situation in New Jersey has become increasingly precarious. He was recently a healthy scratch, a decision that his agent, J.P. Barry, believes was a business move by the Devils to force a trade. Barry stated that Hamilton would consider teams outside his 10-team no-trade list to facilitate a move. This development suggests a growing rift between Hamilton and the Devils organization.
Hamilton's agent feels the Devils' decision is calculated, while Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald maintains the decision to scratch Hamilton was based on the team's on-ice needs. Despite Hamilton's past success, including a 74-point season in 2022-23, his current production of 5 goals and 10 points in 40 games has fallen short of expectations.
The Sharks' needs on defense, particularly on the right side, could have aligned well with Hamilton's skillset. However, the Sharks have found unexpected success with John Klingberg on the power play, and Hamilton's $9 million cap hit presents a significant financial commitment. The Sharks have $8.29 million in cap space.
Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet noted that Hamilton's contract includes a partial no-trade clause, allowing him to block trades to 21 teams. Friedman also suggested that Hamilton might reconsider his stance on a trade to San Jose, given their improved performance.
Ultimately, whether Dougie Hamilton made a mistake in passing on the Sharks remains a matter of speculation. However, with the Devils struggling and the Sharks exceeding expectations, the narrative has certainly shifted. The coming weeks leading up to the trade deadline on March 6 will be critical in determining Hamilton's future and whether he reconsiders a move to San Jose.
