Dougie Hamilton Set to Return for Devils, Poised for Top Power-Play Role Amidst Injury Comeback

Dougie Hamilton (lower body) is expected to return to the New Jersey Devils' lineup Tuesday against the Lightning. This return follows a significant pectoral injury last season that limited him to just 20 games, positioning him as a bounce-back candidate for 2024-25. With Luke Hughes sidelined by a shoulder injury for 6-8 weeks, Hamilton is poised to reclaim his spot on the No. 1 power-play unit, a role he excelled in during his career-best 2022-23 season where he tallied 22 goals and 52 assists for 74 points in 82 games, ranking among the NHL's top defensemen. While a free-agent signing like Brett Pesce could impact his minutes, Hamilton's history shows consistent offensive production, including double-digit goals in seven straight years. Despite previous injury setbacks and a dip in production during his first Devils season, he remains a key offensive blueliner for New Jersey.