From TSN’s Darren Dreger:
Hamilton extension is 6 yrs and close to $34.5 mil total. Flames pushed for 8 yrs and Hamilton wanted 5. Good compromise.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) June 30, 2015
Aav for Hamilton will come in around $5.75. Paperwork is still being processed.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) June 30, 2015
The Flames have since confirmed it.
It probably won’t make Bruins fans too happy that Hamilton will sign with the Flames for a cap hit that in no way can be considered excessive. The 22-year-old had 42 points last season, 23rd most among NHL defensemen. On top of that, he’s still developing.
The news also supports the scuttlebutt that Hamilton, for whatever reason, did not want to remain in Boston. Though Bruins GM Don Sweeney denied the player asked out, he did say, “We extended Dougie a very significant contract offer, and it didn’t lead us to where we thought we’d be able to, with him being comfortable being a part of our group long-term.”
From Calgary’s perspective, Hamilton gives the Flames another capable defenseman. In fact, assuming they can sign captain Mark Giordano to an extension, they may, at some point, have to look at trading someone. Perhaps Dennis Wideman?
Update:
@JasonPHT it was suggested to me that isn't plan tho plans can change. Gio, Brodie, Hamilton, Russell, Wideman likely to be top 5. Cap team.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) June 30, 2015