Bruins sign top draft pick Hamilton for 3 years

By foxsports
Published

The Boston Bruins have signed top draft pick Dougie Hamilton to a three-year contract.

The 18-year-old defenseman was the No. 9 overall pick in this year's draft. He is tied for seventh in the Ontario Hockey League in scoring, with 41 points. He also leads all OHL defensemen in goals assists and points.

Bruins general manager Peter Chiarelli says he expects Hamilton compete for a spot on the NHL club next season. Chiarelli projects Hamilton as a No. 1 defenseman and praised his two-way skills.

The Bruins acquired Hamilton with one of the draft picks they obtained in last year's trade that sent Phil Kessel to Toronto.

Hamilton must remain in the juniors all season. But if his team finishes before the Bruins' American Hockey League affiliate in Providence, he can play for it at the end of the season.