What Do We Expect From Dougie Hamilton This Year?

[qc]

I get giddy when thinking how good he can/will be.

Same here. Especially after arguing with Leaf nation during the playoffs.

They assumed that he was a bust (at 19 mind you) since we weren't giving him 25 minutes per night in the playoffs. What impresses me is his all-around improvement. His positioning defensively is significantly better, his physicality (hits & blocked shots especially) is significantly better, and his offensive prowess has been as advertised.

He's also bulked up a bit, and looks like a veteran out there (instead of a baby giraffe). He will be even bulkier in the coming years as well. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, it looks like Chia may have finally picked a franchise-caliber 1st rounder!

 

[ODAAT]

Same here. Especially after arguing with Leaf nation during the playoffs.

They assumed that he was a bust (at 19 mind you) since we weren't giving him 25 minutes per night in the playoffs. What impresses me is his all-around improvement. His positioning defensively is significantly better, his physicality (hits & blocked shots especially) is significantly better, and his offensive prowess has been as advertised.

He's also bulked up a bit, and looks like a veteran out there (instead of a baby giraffe). He will be even bulkier in the coming years as well. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, it looks like Chia may have finally picked a franchise-caliber 1st rounder!

two words for Leaf fans when discussing the progress of developing young D men

Jake Gardiner

Loads of time for him to get "it" but the kid is lost under RC`s coaching

 

[Dellstrom]

The thing I've noticed is that he's been silently effective. That's a great thing for a defenseman, it means he isn't making any defensive mistakes. His positioning and overall defensive play has just gone through the roof. He looked so unsure last year, so much more confidence and it's working. I'm as big as a Dougie fan as you'll find, I've been watching him whenever he's been on the ice, and he has been so composed.

Krug has stolen the offensive spotlight, but it's MUCH more important that he becomes more of a two-way defenseman. That's how he'll play his best. What impresses me the most is his positioning offensively. Can get almost any shot through, and the puck does not get out of the zone while he's on the ice. Seriously, flashbacks to the SCF where we couldn't clear the zone. On a standard clear, he miraculously keeps it in and makes a play. Couple of amazing ice rushes where Lucic/Iginla shot it just wide or whiffed. Really excited to see how he pans out in couple of years... I think he'll get to play with Z tonight with Boychuk out.

 

[BruinsBtn]

Dougie is beginning to look like an absolute stud.

 

[ODAAT]

Dougie is beginning to look like an absolute stud.

wait til he fills out...........kids special and flying under the Torey Krug radar

 

[Mainehockey33]

Boston Bruins ‏@NHLBruins 21m
Dougie Hamilton: "I just want to keep getting better, continue to develop & have fun" Learn more about No. 27

I love how he seems to be obsessed about getting better, he seems to be the real deal and gets it.

 

[Serge A Storms]

I thought he had a real strong game tonight. Saved a goal and made a couple of VERY good defensive plays, in addition to banking that shot off Lucic. Kid keeps getting better.

 

[bruinsfan46]

I thought the Anaheim game was maybe the best of his career and he was very strong again tonight, wasn't perfect against the Islanders but made a nice play on the goal too.

 

[Fire Sweeney]

Give him more ice time... and Chara playing 29 minutes is ridiculous.

 

[TMac21]

One of the few bright spots through the first part of the season, will be interesting to see how he holds up through the dog days.

 

[Dellstrom]

Give him more ice time... and Chara playing 29 minutes is ridiculous.

Hamilton has been getting 20 minutes on average, that's top four. Coach really trusts him, he deserves it.

 

[4ORRBRUIN]

Love the kid, Going to be a good one. Lets hope we hang on to him.

 

[ODAAT]

bold statement: 12 games into the season, Dougie Hamilton has been our best defenseman not named Chara.

Not bold when true

Disappointing result again, seemed that after this team threw everything at the Stars, the tank went empty, not good enough but like I said a few GDT`s ago, something about the makeup of this team, the way it`s coached, the personel that, while uninspired so far, I`m just hardly concerned.

Been harping on this player alot this season, and I apologize, but Marchand has plain old laid eggs all season

 

[qc]

Even when Dougie makes a bad pinch (which is extremely rare), he gets back in position with lightning quickness. I've kept a hairy eyeball on this kid since he was tearing up juniors with Freddie, he has developed exceptionally well thus far.

 

[Tweaked9107]

I've been a long time fan of Hamilton but haven't had much of a chance to watch him this season.

I know this thread has obviously covered what you guys expect this season, but what do you think Hamilton's offensive production will be like 3-4 years down the line?

Also, is he not getting PK time because you have 4 guys better, or can he not be trusted at this point?

 

[BadBruins]

I've been a long time fan of Hamilton but haven't had much of a chance to watch him this season.

I know this thread has obviously covered what you guys expect this season, but what do you think Hamilton's offensive production will be like 3-4 years down the line?

Also, is he not getting PK time because you have 4 guys better, or can he not be trusted at this point?

Chara-Boychuk-Seidenberg-McQuaid. Those are the 4 regular PK'ers, all of whom are better/more experienced than Hamilton with a man down. He does play if one of the other RH shots are in the box or there's an extended PK. I think a case could be made pretty soon that he should be playing over McQuaid in those situations. He's been the 2nd best defender all season IMO.

 

[11MilesPerJohan]

He seems to be right on track as far as I am concerned.