This is NOT the news I was hoping to get today, but it'll do.
Carolina has signed Jeff Hamilton to a two-year deal at $800k per year.
Hamilton potted 39 (18/21) points on a very bad Blackhawks team last year.
The 29-year old Ohio native was undrafted, and entered the league after being invited to try out for the Islanders a few years ago.
39 points is 39 points, but I've never heard of this dude, and his profile on TSN makes him sound like a glorified AHL player.
>>UPDATE<< I just watched the NHL highlight reel for Hamilton, and I'm pretty impressed. He's got a lot of creativity, a deceptive shot, a nose for the net, and as Don Cherry would say, the guy can dangle. I think he'll be fine.
Carolina has accomplished the goal of picking up a third line center. Although he isn't of the "name brand" variety (ie Todd White, Brian Smolinski), he should fit in nicely. And at the end of the day, the Canes have come in $1.5M under budget.
Hamilton wore the unusual #51 for the Blackhawks last season. He can have it here, too.
Does this mean there could still be a movement of defensemen?
Sunday, July 01, 2007
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Hamilton's a little small, but he's clutch. He got his first real chance in the NHL last year, so odds are he's still improving.
He's really good in shootouts and overtime-type situations, too. I think you'll find him to be a useful situational player.
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