Dougie Hamilton, defenseman for the New Jersey Devils, will likely not return for the remainder of the regular season. The team has announced this is due to a lower-body injury, but the specifics have not been released publicly. Despite recently making a comeback after a torn pectoral injury, one of New Jersey’s most renowned defensemen will not take the ice until either the second round of the playoffs or the 2025-2026 season.
On March 4, Hamilton left the ice shortly after the start of a matchup against the Dallas Stars. The injury was not specifically classified, yet it has been announced that he left the game with a leg/lower-body injury to later be determined treatment. After staying on the sidelines since, March 13th General Manager Tom Fitzgerald was hesitant with his prediction when asked on “Krackin’ Canuckleheads” about Hamilton’s awaited return. He explained, “We’re not planning on it, how’s that?” Making it clear that Hamilton would not be back on the ice anytime soon (nhl.com).
Before his injury, Dougie was a leading force of the defense. With nine goals and thirty-one assists, losing the defenseman for the rest of the regular season will have a tremendous impact on the team. This could jeopardize the teams’ current 3rd place spot in the Metropolitan Division, with the Blue Jackets on their tail. Upcoming matchups against the Pittsburgh Penguins (3/15), Vancouver Canucks (3/24), and Chicago Blackhawks (3/26) may determine the effect of Dougie’s absence on the teams’ performance.
Injuries have taken over the organization this year. With Jack Hughes, Jonas Siegenthaler, and now Dougie, these players being out or on the injured reserve due to injuries is raising worry among Devils fans, and leaving them nervous about how the team will compensate without some of its key players. Unfortunately, Dougie’s 13th season in the NHL has been cut short, and his return date is indefinite. Fans are wondering, will these injuries ultimately endanger the Devil’s possible playoff status, or can they rise to the challenge?
