Trades involving 45-50 point defenceman entering their prime at 25, leading the league in goals by defenceman don't just happen in the NHL. There had to be some underlying issues... so let's examine what we have seen so far in regards to Dougie. I do want to preface this is speculation and involves some rumors; however, I have tried to include links/sources where I could
2015 Dougie Hamilton gets traded to Calgary.
An article released on June 29 by a Boston writer was titled "Report: Dougie Hamilton is an ‘uppity kid,’ teammates don’t like him"
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“We didn’t want to lose him,” a Bruins front office source reportedly told Stephen Harris of the Boston Herald. “We tried everything we could think of.”
However, an anonymous NHL assistant general manager told Harris that Hamilton had some character issues.
“It was surprising,” the front office executive said. “It’s obvious there’s something going on that we don’t know about. From what I’ve heard behind the scenes, his teammates don’t like him. I heard he’s a loner and sort of an uppity kid, and that his teammates don’t like him and it was unanimous.”
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This was the first time I had heard about Hamilton's character issues. Let's look at his time with the Flames starting when the Flames acquired his brother Freddie Hamilton also in 2015.
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We dreamed about it when we were little kids, both trying to make the NHL and both trying to be on the same team,” said Freddie.
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This could be a little eyebrow raising now that you look back on it. Freddie obviously was not a player most NHL teams covet. It's my thoughts and yes these are my thoughts that the Flames traded for Freddie to sweeten the pot on Dougie signing in Calgary and keeping him happy.
Well how did this work out? Quite often Freddie was in the press box when he shouldn't have even been in the building. He would get the odd start here and there but who was the player that was sitting when this happened? We always used to hear the phrase "always earned, never given," if you are the guy sitting I'm sure that would leave a sour taste in your mouth. What if Freddie was the reason the Flames lost a game? Now you have your teammates pissed off at a guy who doesn't deserve to be there, while they have worked there asses off to be in this league and it's because of his brother that he has a spot on the roster.
April 2017 - The infamous mic left on story
https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/news/fla...130840287.html
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For the video deprived, here’s a brief transcript:
“Brodie’s is … that’s just a complete lack of … you got no composure when you’re doing that. He’s down already.”
“If you don’t rip Dougie Hamilton, I will. Stupidest [expletive] penalty you can take.”
“How about the T.J. Brodie one, too? But you’re right, that Dougie Hamilton one.”
“Does he had a [expletive] brain?”
“He doesn’t. He’s stupid as [expletive].”
“I don’t know him that well.”
“He’s not an intelligent guy.”
“You’re Mr. Flames, so you probably know him better than I do.”
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Jan 2018 - Flames lose Freddie Hamilton to Arizona after placing him on Waivers.
http://calgarysun.com/sports/hockey/...die-on-waivers
Quote:
Asked twice more about the departure of his older brother, roommate, car-pool partner and teammate for parts of three seasons at the Saddledome, the 24-year-old rearguard wouldn’t bite.
“I’m just here to talk about the game.”
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Quote:
“Obviously, it’s going to have an impact (on Dougie), but they’re both good pros,” said Flames head coach Glen Gulutzan prior to Thursday’s clash with the Los Angeles Kings. “I talked to Dougie. He skated in an optional this morning. He’s getting ready for L.A.
“I’m sure it’s not easy. It’s your brother. But I know Dougie was happy for him, too, to get an opportunity.”
Dougie could have simply said that.
But he was, apparently, just there to talk about the game.
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Francis - Dougie Hamilton trade makes clear problems persisted in Calgary
https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/...isted-calgary/
Reddit Rumor
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Nine-Foot-Banana
I heard from someone in the know that Dougie was still so pissed off about Freddie getting put on waivers at the end of the season that he ****** off before exit interviews with management and coaching.
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Reddit Rumor
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dirac_spike
He totally did. My wife and I left for Phoenix just as the regular season ended. We saw him and his brother eating out at a restaurant a couple days later, thought it was super weird to see him so quickly down there.
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"We also want guys that want to be in Calgary" BT June 23/18 - This could obvuously be in relation to Adam Fox, but I feel its related to Dougie as well. My opinion once more.
Looking beyond the numbers so to say I think it's clear there is enough evidence that Hamilton was just not a fit in that locker room. If you lose your teammates respect that in turn brings the whole team down. Dougie was a great offensive player but I'm excited for Noah Hanifin and a fresh start for both players.