NEWARK, N.J. — New Jersey Devils defenseman Dougie Hamilton is likely sidelined for the remainder of the NHL regular season due to an unspecified lower-body injury, the team confirmed on Thursday.
Hamilton sustained the injury during a game against Dallas on March 4, where he exited after completing just seven shifts. Additionally, the Devils have suffered another blow as No. 1 center Jack Hughes is out for the rest of the season and postseason following shoulder surgery. Despite these setbacks, New Jersey securely holds third place in the Metropolitan Division and is poised for a playoff appearance, rebounding from last season’s absence.
Before the injury, the 31-year-old Hamilton was having a standout offensive season. In 63 games, he accumulated nine goals and 31 assists, totaling 40 points while maintaining an average ice time of just below 20 minutes per game.
Originally from Toronto, Hamilton is the Devils’ highest-compensated player, earning $9 million per year in the fourth season of his seven-year contract, which is valued at $63 million in total.
