Probably another slow start. But tell me, who on the Flames isn't having one? Aside from 2 or 3 players.
He's what, 3 years younger than Brodie? 3 years ago Brodie was decent, NHL caliber, but it wasn't until 24 or 25 that he really took off. I don't now if we should be expecting too, too much out of Hamilton yet.
Dougie was great for the last 60 games last season. Played like an ideal 2nd pairing guy. I think what is mistaken is people hyping him up to be a future #1 or #2, which I think kind of doomed him to get criticized a bit eventually, because I don't see his ceiling as quite that lofty. I don't think he has the grit or physicality to take out bodies when it's needed, but he has the toolbox to be a top end guy for any team's second pairing and probably will score 50+ more than once in his career. There's always a use for a defenseman like that in the NHL.
I'm reserving judgement until the end of this season for Dougie. If he shows improvements in his all around game while picking it up offensively like he did last season then it'll give me hope that he can solidify himself as a high-end #3 in the league, which is my hope for him.
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