How close is this actual comparison? Seems to be a very very good one.
I don't actually think that Hamilton will ever have as high of potential as Piet, but has a great future none the less.
Could someone who see's Hamilton more often fill me in?
Maybe an OHL expert like Brock?
I see I've been summoned!
I've seen a lot of these two over the years and outside of the fact that both are bigger guys with good mobility, I don't see a lot of similarities. I think they play different games and project as different NHL players.
Hamilton is a more physical player than Pietrangelo ever was in the OHL. Even in his last OHL season, Petro wasn't one to use his size for the open ice hit or to be physical in front of the net or in the corners. Hamilton is quite physical. He loves to hit in the open ice (especially around the blueline), and he's quite willing to throw his weight around in front of the net and in the corners. I think he projects as an above average physical player in the NHL, something Pietrangelo (for all his strengths) will never be.
Pietrangelo is definitely the more naturally gifted offensive player. Hamilton has potential, but he's a hard worker offensively who uses his above average IQ to pick up points by sneaking into the slot (vast majority of his goals) or making a good pass up the ice. He's improved in his ability to bring the puck up the ice, but he's not an elite puck rusher (nor will he ever be IMO). Where as Pietrangelo created things offensively off the rush and quite frequently beat defenders inside/out with slick moves.
Lastly, Hamilton is a better defender than Petro was and takes significantly less chances offensively. At times, in the OHL, Petro was like a 4th forward out there (especially under Mario Cicchillo in Niagara). Hamilton is a significantly safer player, at the consequence of being less dynamic. But the critical thing is that Hamilton is probably currently a better defender than Petro ever was in the OHL (including his 19 year old season) and is definitely better defensively than Petro when he was drafted.
Personally, the comparison I like best for Hamilton is Brent Seabrook. I think they play comparable games, with Hamilton possessing a slightly more dynamic offensive game (at least potentially).