Rumor: Dougie Hamilton Leaving the Carolina Hurricanes

Dougie Hamilton of the Carolina Hurricanes is one of the league's most underpaid defensemen, and this summer that's going to change in a big way. And by the sounds of it, the Hurricanes are coming to terms with reality that Hamilton will be receiving his new contract from another team.

Hamilton is currently making $5.75 million and some in the industry feel he's going to sign for north of $8.5 million. The Hurricanes aren't likely to go that high with the the soon-to-be 28-year-old and it's likely he signs one of the richest contracts of this summer's free-agent period. 

Luke Decock of The News and Observer feels Hamilton has priced himself out of Carolina and is heading somewhere else:

And there are difficult decisions to be made. Dougie Hamilton has almost certainly played his last game for the Hurricanes, and possibly Jordan Martinook, Brock McGinn and Mrazek as well. Even Brind’Amour isn’t under contract for next season, although owner Tom Dundon would be insane to let it come to that.

Hamilton is expected to receive interest from a number of teams including the Chicago Blackhawks and Philadelphia Flyers who will right in the thick of the bidding war. While it was a bittersweet end to the season for Hamilton and his Hurricanes' teammates, this summer it will be all forgotten when he signs on the dotted line and sets himself up for life.

Photo credit:   James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports