Quote:
Originally Posted by Hackey
The trade was never Hamilton for Barzal though. The value of a 15th overall pick is definitely not Barzal. Using hindsight to judge the trade is foolish. Senyshyn is who was actually picked at 15 and in that scenario Hamilton is an absolute steal and it's not even debatable.
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Senyshyn and the other Bruins picks were all head-scratchers at the time, all reaches. In the next eight picks, the following players were taken: Barzal, Connor, Chabot, Svechnikov, Boeser.
It was a remarkably deep draft. Whether the scouts at the time recognized it or not is hard to say as a fan. Still, it's not a matter of hindsight choosing the best player at that point in the draft - there were a bunch of guys who look like they're going to be difference-makers in the NHL.
As for Hamilton, I don't see a #1. To me, a #1 is a guy you're comfortable putting out in all situations, who doesn't need to be protected. Hamilton needs to be protected. He is not used in all situations. He's a very good skater with great offensive instincts and a knack for getting the puck through to the net. He'll probably be in the top 4 or 5 d-men in goal-scoring for a long time. But his play without the puck does not inspire confidence,. There's a reason he wasn't chosen for Team North America at the World Cup. I've seen a couple projections for Olympic Team Canada 2022, and Hamilton is nowhere to be seen. He has to get a lot better at decision-making without the puck, which can be Phaneuf-esque at times, before he'll be a true elite defenceman, IMHO.