The Calgary Flames have given themselves a huge shot of adrenaline with the addition of Dougie Hamilton. And while they might have given up a hefty haul to acquire his services, come playoff time the payoff will be huge.
Hamilton is one of hockey’s best up and coming defenseman. He has received much praise since being drafted by the Boston Bruins with the 9th pick of the 2011 NHL Draft, and it looks as if he is ready to live up to his enormous potential.
This season saw Hamilton put up the best numbers of his young career, firmly establishing himself as a game-changing defenseman. The 22-year-old recorded 42 points for the Boston Bruins, a 17-point increase over his previous season tally. In addition, his 188 shots put him ahead of other defensive standouts such as Brent Seabrook, P.K. Subban, and Mike Green.
Hamilton will now take his talents from Boston to Calgary. His presence could very well be the missing piece for a young Flames team, who were suffered a fatal blow to their Stanley Cup hopes when captain, and fellow defenseman, Mark Giordano, suffered a season-ending injury in late February.
His addition now gives Calgary another capable option on the team’s loaded blue-line. On its roster, the team features the aforementioned Giordano, T.J. Brodie, Kris Russell, and Dennis Wideman, all four of which scored 34 points or more for the Flames last season.
Hamilton will provide another scoring threat, and a quality insurance plan if an injury is suffered to Calgary’s defensive core once again. The Flames know how valuable a player of Hamilton’s caliber is. They didn’t waste any time in signing him once they acquired his services, quickly agreeing on a contract worth $34.5 million over six years.
Flames General Manager, Brad Treliving is quite fond of his newest acquisition, and not just because of his hockey ability.
“This type of player doesn’t come around very often at this age,” Treliving told The Calgary Sun
“You’re talking about a very intelligent kid. He’s a 98% student. He won the scholastic award (in the Ontario Hockey League in 2011). I like that he’s a very cerebral kid. Smart. Intelligent. “
Treliving got himself a great addition to his Stanley Cup contending roster. Hamilton might have a had a bad breakup with the Boston Bruins, but their loss is now Calgary’s gain.