While most Bruins players spent this fall flying overseas to play hockey or waiting in the U.S. for the NHL lockout to end, top defense prospect Dougie Hamilton was getting some work in.
Hamilton played in the Ontario Hockey League throughout the fall and was just as good as everyone expected. Now, with the NHL season about to get under way this month, plenty of Bruins fans are wondering whether Hamilton is ready to make waves with the pro club. The defensive whiz, who was drafted ninth overall in 2011, is considered strong enough to make the jump for good this season.
While Hamilton certainly has the talent, the real question is where he fits in with the Bruins’ plan of attack for this season. The B’s are welcoming back blue-liners Zdeno Chara, Andrew Ference, Johnny Boychuk, Adam McQuaid and Dennis Seidenberg, and defenseman Aaron Johnson has also been added to the club. With a shortened season and plenty of games in fewer days, the Bruins could use the extra manpower, but whether Hamilton will be able to make a dent is a major question.
Then again, just as youngster Tyler Seguin helped lift the B’s to Stanley Cup glory in his first season, Hamilton could be a great addition to this year’s team.
How do you think he’ll fit in?
