Dougie Hamilton Benched by Devils, Agent Open to Trade Discussions

New Jersey Devils defenseman Dougie Hamilton was benched Saturday in favor of Johnathan Kovacevic, prompting his agent, J.P. Barry, to state the decision was business-driven, not performance-based. Barry indicated that Hamilton, 32, and his camp are flexible to facilitate a trade outside his 10-team trade list. With a $9 million cap hit and three seasons remaining, Hamilton has fallen in the Devils' pecking order despite still playing at an elite offensive level, recording 28 power play points in his last 124 games.