The New Jersey Devils have inked defenseman Dougie Hamilton to a seven-year deal with an average annual value of $9 million, the team announced Wednesday.
Hamilton, widely considered to be the best free-agent blue-liner available, racked up 42 points in 55 games with the Carolina Hurricanes this past season.
With the 28-year-old on the ice at five-on-five in 2021, the Hurricanes controlled 56% of the shot attempts, 62% of the goals, and 58% of the high-danger chances.
Hamilton should slot in on the Devils' top defensive pairing and top power-play unit.
After adding Hamilton to the mix, New Jersey traded defenseman Will Butcher and a 2022 fifth-rounder to the Buffalo Sabres for future considerations.
The Hurricanes apparently gave Hamilton permission to speak to other clubs early last month. Carolina's last offer for him was an eight-year, $50-million deal, according to The Athletic's Sara Civian.
Hamilton was drafted by the Boston Bruins in 2011. He has 341 career points in 607 games.