Dougie Hamilton Out, Devils Bolster Defense

New Jersey Devils defenseman Dougie Hamilton will miss the remainder of the 2024-25 regular season and potentially the playoffs due to a lower-body injury sustained during a game against the Dallas Stars on March 4. General Manager Tom Fitzgerald expressed skepticism about Hamilton's return even if the Devils advance to the second playoff round. The team has been dealing with multiple injuries, including defenseman Jonas Siegenthaler and center Jack Hughes, who are also out for the season. In response to these setbacks, the Devils have bolstered their defense by acquiring Brian Dumoulin and Dennis Cholowski. Hamilton, who is leading the Devils' defensemen with 40 points this season, has been replaced by Luke Hughes on the power-play unit. The Devils currently sit third in the Metropolitan Division, trailing the Carolina Hurricanes.