Dougie Hamilton has had a tough time developing into the top-pairing defenseman Calgary envisioned when they dealt a slew of draft picks for the talented 23-year-old last offseason. Seemingly not a fit for the organization, Calgary might be ready to move on.
Bob McKenzie appeared on TSN 1050 where he said the Flames are listening on the defenseman and the Leafs are interested.
“I’m sure they probably are,” surmised McKenzie. “I mean, listen – they want to improve their defense. If Hamilton is available – and we don’t really know if he is or isn’t. Calgary is definitely listening on Dougie Hamilton. That’s not the same as wanting to trade him. Montreal was listening on P.K. Subban too, as they told us on multiple occasions.
“So I don’t have any evidence to suggest anything is imminent. Would the Leafs like to bolster their blueline? I’m sure they would. That’s the next logical step in the progression for this hockey team.”
The Leafs match up as a nice trade partner for the Flames. The club has forward depth to burn, but desperately need a top-four defenseman to shore up an inconsistent group. Perhaps, making a deal with former Leafs president Brian Burke is in the cards? Burke adamantly says no. He went on a lengthy rant on TSN 1050’s Leaf Lunch, the rumor is unsubstantiated.
.@NHLFlames President Brian Burke on Dougie Hamilton and leaks: pic.twitter.com/rb5pOwwLEM
— Leafs Lunch (@LeafsLunch1050) November 30, 2016
However, with the Flames likely looking for a defenseman back in the deal, it might be tricky for Toronto to swing a deal. Regardless, Hamilton’s time in Calgary could be coming to an end.
