Report: 'Tangible gap' between Hurricanes, Hamilton in contract talks

Something's got to give in the negotiations between the Carolina Hurricanes and Dougie Hamilton.

The two sides have held discussions about a new contract for the pending unrestricted free-agent defenseman, but the talks have simmered since February and there's "a tangible gap" between what Hamilton's camp and the team are looking for, reports The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun.

Hamilton would be the best blue-liner available if he were to hit the open market when eligible July 28.

The 27-year-old is in the final season of the six-year, $34.5-million pact he inked with the Calgary Flames in 2015. Calgary traded him to the Hurricanes in a deal that sent rearguard Noah Hanifin and forward Elias Lindholm out west in 2018.

Hamilton has thrived since joining Carolina, forming one of the NHL's top pairings alongside Jaccob Slavin and posting 0.6 points per game with stellar underlying numbers over two-plus campaigns.

The 6-foot-6 defender has posted one goal and 13 assists while averaging over 22 minutes of ice time in 22 games this season.

Carolina is expected to have more than $28 million in cap space for 2021-22, according to CapFriendly.

Copyright (C) 2021 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.