Hamilton desires to play for the Hurricanes after his current contract expires, NHL.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Heading into his ninth NHL season, Hamilton had his most productive showing cut short by injury in 2019-20, finishing with 40 points in 47 games. The American rearguard is entering the final campaign of a six-year, $34.5 million deal, and he'll almost certainly receive a raise of his $5.75 million annual cap hit. It sounds like the two sides have had at least some contract extension negotiations thus far, and there's nothing to suggest at this point that Hamilton won't re-up in Raleigh sometime between now and next offseason.

Hamilton registered a power-play goal on five shots and had three blocks Thursday in a 3-2 win over Boston in Game 2.

EDGE Analysis

Hamilton absolutely blew a one-timer past Tuukka Rask from the top of the right faceoff circle to put Carolina ahead to stay with 11:30 left in regulation. It was the first goal in more than seven months for the former Bruin, who suffered an injury back in mid-January and remained out of the Carolina lineup until Tuesday's Game 1 loss. Hamilton logged more than 24 minutes of ice time Thursday, indicating he's all the way back from his ailment.

Hamilton (undisclosed) was minus-2 with three blocks in Wednesday's 4-3 double-overtime loss to Boston in Game 1 of their first-round series.

EDGE Analysis

Hamilton was suiting up for the first time since Jan. 16 and logged 26:48 of ice time over four-plus periods. Although it wasn't reflected in Wednesday's result, Hamilton's return to the lineup is a massive development for the Hurricanes. The 27-year-old had 14 goals and 40 points with a career-best plus-30 rating in 47 games during the regular season, while averaging better than 23 minutes per game.

As expected, Hamilton (undisclosed) will make his postseason debut in Wednesday's Game 1 versus Boston.

EDGE Analysis

Hamilton hasn't played in an NHL contest since Jan. 16, so he'll likely have some rust to shake off early on against the Bruins, but his return will nonetheless represent a huge boon for the Hurricanes, as he was fantastic when healthy during the regular season, racking up 14 goals and 40 points in just 47 contests. The former Bruin will skate on Carolina's top line and first power-play unit Wednesday.

Coach Rod Brind'Amour expects Dougie Hamilton (undisclosed) to make his postseason debut Tuesday in Game 1 against the Bruins, Sara Civian of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Hamilton's status for Tuesday's series opener likely won't be confirmed until the Hurricanes take the ice for pregame warmups, but all signs currently point to the 27-year-old blueliner, who missed the entirety of Carolina's qualifying-round series against the Rangers, making his return to the lineup. If all goes according to plan, Hamilton will skate on the Hurricanes' top pairing and first power-play unit during Game 1.

Hamilton (undisclosed) might be available for Tuesday's Game 1 clash with Boston, Michael Smith of the Hurricanes' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Hamilton missed the entire play-in clash with the Rangers and hasn't been in the lineup for Carolina since mid-January. Once cleared to play, the veteran blueliner should reunite with Jacob Slavin on the top pairing and figures to bump Jake Gardiner off the No. 1 power-play unit.

Hamilton (undisclosed) took part in Thursday's practice session, Michael Smith of the Hurricanes' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Hamilton missed the three-game sweep of the Rangers and hasn't played in a game since Jan. 16 versus the Blue Jackets. With the defender on the shelf, Carolina utilized Sami Vatanen on the top pairing and Jake Gardiner on the top power-play unit. There are still plenty of games to be played, but as it currently stands, the Hurricanes would face off with Washington in the next round. Based on his return to practice, it would appear Hamilton could be ready for that matchup

Hamilton (undisclosed) is still unfit to play and will miss Game 3 versus the Rangers on Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

Hamilton has been out of action since mid-January due to various injury concerns. With the blueliner on the shelf, Sami Vatanen figures to continue slotting in on both the top pairing and the No. 1 power-play unit and has notched three helpers, including a pair with the man advantage and should be a top-end fantasy target during Hamilton's absence.

Hamilton (undisclosed) isn't expected to be ready to return for Game 2 against New York on Monday, Stephen Whyno of the Associated Press reports.

EDGE Analysis

The negative news came down from coach Rod Brind'Amour, who added "I don't think he's going to be available tomorrow. We're getting close, but I don't see him playing tomorrow." Thankfully for the Hurricanes, they were able to prevail over the Rangers in Game 1 without their star blueliner, which undoubtedly helps in terms of ensuring Hamilton isn't rushed back too early. Stay tuned, but it's probably best to look toward Tuesday's Game 3 for a potential return.

Hamilton (undisclosed) skated on his own prior to Sunday's practice, Michael Smith of the Hurricanes' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Hamilton missed Saturday's Game 1 against Carolina and isn't expected to be ready for Monday's Game 2, but coach Rod Brind'Amour doesn't expect the 27-year-old blueliner to miss the entire series, and his presence on the ice Sunday supports that notion. He'll have to join his teammates for a full practice before returning to game action, so stay tuned for another update once that occurs.