Hamilton/By S. Bradley
Team Canada was relegated to the bronze medal game after a semifinal loss to Russia last night at the 2012 World Junior Championship.
While that’s a bit of a disappointment, several of the top NHL prospects who were wearing the maple leaf this week impressed scouts. Among those that stood out were Bruins prospect Dougie Hamilton.
Boston’s 2011 first-round pick definitely impressed ESPN.com scout Grant Sonier. In a recap of his thoughts on several of the top performers in the Canada-USA game from Sunday, Sonier wrote the following about Hamilton:
Was a force all night using his elite size and near perfect positional play. His ability to read and break up plays combined with excellent stick skills was too much for the talented U.S. players in this game. Hamilton has an offensive element to his game, but I thought he was tentative to show those qualities on a few rushes. Sky is the limit with this big future Bruin.
Scouts’ takes are all subjective. But this is great news for the Bruins, who already said they expect Hamilton, who signed his first pro contract earlier this season, to challenge for a job on their blue line next fall. Performing well against the best players in his world in his own age group is a great first step toward making the leap to the NHL.
Even if Corvo isn’t back next year, PC will sign a viable Dman at low cost. No way is he going to put all his eggs in the Dougie basket. In my mind, Hamilton will replace Kampfer as the 7, and will compete for time and be insurance for injury. If he cracks the top 6 even better, but PC will make sure he has someone he can rely on, on the roster to mitigate the ups and downs that come with rookie Dmen.
any thoughts to who hamilton would replace on the squad next year? I would have to say Corvo…although he is talented Boychuck and Quaider have proven to be young and belong on the blue line, chara and seid aren’t going anywhere…seems like it would be down to fer and corvo for that last spot and ference has the A on his shirt and is a good locker room guy.
I suppose we’re all watching NHL 36 profiling Patrice Bergeron?
Greg, As it was explained to me, Hamilton, as David pointed out is under 20. He can only play for the P-B’s on a PTO and under the current CBA and his contract, it doesn’t allow him to play in the NHL this season.
Greg,
Hamilton’s under 20, therefore his previous team controls him unless he makes the NHL roster.
anyone know why he isn’t at providence?
Also…did anyone else notice how often Dougie and Koko ran into each other last night? Friendly rivalry maybe? Next years camp should be interesting.
I agree that Dougie is a great player but for the opposite reasons as this scout. I thought his defensive play was a but tentative and if not for his size and reach he would have been burned a few times in this tourney. He does skate very well for a big guy which will certainly help in the NHL. His upside is his offense though. Great hands and a real touch from the blue-line. He uncorked a few bombs but also knew when to wrist one at the net and let the forwards put it home. I could honestly see him as a forward in certain situations. Put him in front of the net on the PP as CJ has done with Chara. You get the same size screen but also get great hands and some speed to get back if need be. Either way I see a real future for this kid in Black and Gold.
It was an amazing game last night. Their speed actually seemed to be better than the NHL. Perhaps there was less neutral zone trapping going on.
Hamilton had a good tournament and looks to be on his way to a great career.
Had about 6 coffees this morning because I couldn’t stop watching that game last night. A lot of talented players out there that I saw play for the first time including Hamilton, Koko, and Yakupov.