I read the knock on Hamilton is he is not overly physical for a 6'4 defenseman. I think you can't teach toughness and physicallity. Either you have it or you don't.
Just looking at stats, Hamilton's stats do not scream offensive defenseman in the NHL either.
So, it is hard to gauge what Hamilton can become. A 6'4 defenseman, who is a good skater, adequate toughness and adequate offense. Does this sound like a top 5-10 pick of an NHL draft? Perhaps... However, He does sound close to being a sure bet NHL player.
Murphy seems to have offensive skills that are very rare but his size will always be a question in the NHL
This is a real tough choice. I would think the interviews and etc at the NHL combine will help clarify things more.
The first point you make about a player either having it or not, in terms of being tough and playing physical....... I somewhat agree...... I think there are aggressive personality types and personality types that prefer to shy away from contact... But, when you are talking about kids of this age bracket, they start growing into their frames, they get stronger and larger, and thus more comfortable with the physical side of the game....
A kid like Hamilton is just starting to fill out... I believe he is 2 or 3 inches taller than he was 18 months ago..... So as he gets more comfortable in his body, and adds weight to that 6'4 frame, I think the physicality will come with the increased comfortability and confidence in his size... As he realizes the size advantage he has (especially when he adds weight), and with proper coaching, he with use his size to his advantage more.
As far as Hamilton's stats not screaming of an offensive player...... The kid has over 50 points... Was only 9 points shy of a PPG average, all the while being one of the better defensive defensemen in the league.... I think his stats show he could be a very good offensive contributor...... The days of Paul Coffey, Bourque, Potvin and defensemen in general scoring 90, 100 points are long gone... Not many forwards get that many points anymore..... If you have a defenseman that scores between 40-50 points now, that is a damn good offensive D-man.