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Newark, NJ – The New Jersey Devils today agreed with unrestricted free agent defenseman Dougie Hamilton to a seven-year contract worth $ 63,000,000 with an average annual value of $ 9,000,000 . The announcement was made by Executive Vice President / General Manager of the New Jersey Devils, Tom Fitzgerald.
“We are delighted to welcome Dougie and his family to the New Jersey Devils organization,” said Fitzgerald. “As a player and a person, he has always demonstrated a commitment to excellence and will play a leading role in returning our franchise to an elite level in the league. We believe the magnitude of his contributions on the ice will equal his impact. on our culture as we continue to position ourselves for long-term success. I am proud of the work all of our staff have done to promote the incredible attributes of this organization and to bring one of the most sought after free agents on board this year.
“All of our staff are thrilled with what Dougie will give us on the ice,” said Devils head coach Lindy Ruff. “He’s an elite offensive talent who manages a power play, accompanied by strong defensive play at the back. At 6’6, his skating, skills, mobility and ability to stabilize play in all situations will be essential for our team. This continues our strengthening of the blue line as we approach next season and is an important addition to what we are building here in Jersey. “
Hamilton, 28, has spent the last three seasons with the Carolina Hurricanes and totaled 121 points (42g-79a) in 184 regular season games. His 42 points (10g-32a) in 55 games tied for fifth for all NHL defensemen last season. Hamilton also had five points (2g-3a) in 11 games of the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs for Carolina. As of 2018-19, Hamilton’s 42 regular-season goals and tied 35 have led all NHL defensemen, while both his shots total (609) and game-winning goals (tied seven) are ranked in the third among defenders.
In 607 career regular season games, Hamilton has 106 goals and 235 assists for 341 points (0.56 points per game) with a plus-72 differential and 390 penalty minutes. Since the start of his career, he’s tied for third in goals (tied 77), fourth in shots (1,676) and ninth in tied points (234) among defenders. Drafted ninth by the Boston Bruins in the 2011 NHL Draft, Hamilton skated three seasons with Boston from 2012-13 through 2014-15. The former first-round pick has 83 points (22g-61a) in 178 career regular-season games with the Bruins, and his 42 points (10g-32a) in 2014-15 topped all Boston defensemen. Prior to Hamilton’s trade with Carolina in 2018, he spent three seasons with the Calgary Flames from 2015-16 to 2017-18. The right-handed defender recorded a career-high 50 points (13g-37a) in 2016-17. He totaled 137 (42g-95a) points in 245 regular season games for the Flames. In addition, Hamilton has 25 points (8g-17a) in 54 career playoff games between Boston, Calgary and Carolina.
Born June 17, 1993, 6’6, 230lbs. A native of Toronto, Ont., he also represented his home country internationally at the IIHF World Junior U20 Championship (WJC) in 2011-12 (Bronze Medal) and 2012-13. In the 2011-12 tournament, he led all defenders with six points (2g-4a). Prior to his professional experience, Hamilton skated four seasons (2009-10 to 2012-13) with the Niagara IceDogs of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), totaling 187 points (39g-148a) in 213 games in career.
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