CALGARY – The Calgary Flames didn’t wait to walk up to the podium to make news on NHL draft day.
General Manager Brad Treliving made a major splash just hours before the first pick was announced, acquiring defenceman Dougie Hamilton from the Boston Bruins in exchange for three 2015 draft picks, including their 15th overall selection. They also gave up two second-round selections, 45th and 52nd overall picks.
In Hamilton, the Flames get a 22-year-old defenceman coming off a career year with the Bruins, posting 10 goals and 42 points in 72 games. The Toronto, Ontario native was the Bruins ninth overall pick in 2011, and is currently a restricted free agent in need of a new deal.
The Flames still hold the 53rd overall pick, but are currently without a pick in the first round.
Hamilton joins a young Flames nucleus that took them into the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs for the first time in 11 years.
Forwards Johnny Gaudreau (21), Sean Monahan (20), Sam Bennett (19) and defenceman TJ Brodie (25) are all 25 years of age and under, giving the Flames a lot of young depth both up front and on the blueline.
We may not have heard the last from the Flames in Florida, since Brad Treliving has also been open about his desire to address the goal-tending situation.
Jonas Hiller is still under contract, but fellow incumbent Karri Ramo is an unrestricted free agent, while Joni Ortio is on a one-way contract beginning this season.
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