WILMINGTON, Mass. — Dougie Hamilton is only 21 years old and he’s already played on a Stanley Cup finalist and a Presidents’ Trophy-winning team in his Boston Bruins career.
The young defenseman has high hopes for the 2014-15 squad and beyond, too.
“Every year we have a chance to win with our team and the players we have, and Tuukka and everything like that. Every year we should be a contender,” Hamilton said Friday after the B’s informal practice at Ristuccia Arena.
“I don’t know if the window is closing or anything like that, I don’t think it is. It makes it exciting to be here, every year you can be a winning team it’s a good situation. You can’t take anything for granted and we have to work hard, play the system and everything. Hopefully we do well again in the regular season again and better in the playoffs.”
Hamilton really came into his own toward the end of the 2013-14 regular season and during the Stanley Cup playoffs. He tallied seven points (two goals, five assists) in 12 playoff contests, which ranked fifth on the team and second-most among defensemen. His poise with the puck greatly improved and he made fewer mistakes in his own end as a result. The former OHL star also became an integral part of the power play with his powerful shot from the point and playmaking skills, both of which were evident in Game 5 of the second-round series versus the Montreal Canadiens.
Hamilton said Friday that he was happy with his postseason performance, and that it might give him some additional confidence heading into the 2014-15 campaign.
Over the summer, Hamilton tried to add some strength to his body, while also working on the offensive skills that made him the No. 9 overall pick in the 2011 NHL draft.
“I tried to get stronger, on the ice just improving my skating, shot and hands and everything like that,” Hamilton said. “I think I had a good summer. Obviously, a lot of time to improve. So I think I have improved and I’m excited to see how I sit now compared to last summer.”
Hamilton is eligible to become a restricted free agent at the end of the 2014-15 season, but he’s trying not to think about the future right now, and instead focus on improving his game and becoming a more important part of the B’s blue line.
“I think it’s just another opportunity for me. I try not to think about (it). Just to get back on the ice, it was nice today, just looking forward to the season. I want to be able to play and keep improving and keep having fun. The rest is out of your control.”
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