Elliotte Friedman reveals rejected trade destination for Dougie Hamilton

Turns out that a Dougie Hamilton trade was on the table in the summer, but the veteran defender decided to stay in New Jersey.

San Jose Sharks v New Jersey Devils | Sarah Stier/GettyImagesThe Dougie Hamilton saga nearly ended much earlier than it began, as it was reported Saturday that the New Jersey Devils nearly dealt the defenseman to the San Jose Sharks before the player exercised his contractual rights to block the deal.

Hamilton, 32, saw a full no-move clause convert to a 10-team trade on July 1, which will remain in effect until his contract expires in the 2028 offseason. The Sharks were, apparently, one of the 21 teams not on Hamilton's list and, of course, were expected to be one of…