I think part of the problem was that Brodie's injury forced the Flames to use Hamilton as a top pairing defenseman, something he wasn't ready for. Since he started playing on the second pairing, he's looked much better and has developed some good chemistry with Russell.
Unlike forwards, very few defensemen are elite players at 22 (even those who go on to become elite NHLers). If Hamilton continues to improve over the next year or two, he should be a bargain for the last 3-4 years of his contract.
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