Boston Bruins Select Defenseman Dougie Hamilton With 9th Overall Pick In 2011 Draft
BOSTON (CBS) - For the first time in 28 years, the Stanley Cup champion had a top-ten pick in the annual NHL entry draft.
That team was the Boston Bruins, who had the ninth overall pick Friday night.
The Bruins used the pick to select defenseman Dougie Hamilton. Hamilton is 6' 4" and plays for the Niagara Ice Dogs.
The Bruins received that pick, last year's second overall pick and more from the Toronto Maple Leafs two years ago in a trade for Phil Kessel.
Of course, the Bs selected Tyler Seguin with last year's pick.
Watch: Hamilton comments on being drafted by the Stanley Cup Champion Boston Bruins
WBZ-TV's Dan Roche says the Canadian will need to fill into his body before he can play in the big leagues, but the Bruins are ecstatic that he fell this far to them.
The champs are confident he will grow into his frame. He's a monster in the corners and has good offensive skills as well, as evidenced by his 58 points for Niagara last year on 12 goals and 46 assists.
Bruins General Manager Peter Chiarelli called the pick a no-brainer. "Without placing a burden on him, he plays a little like Rob Blake. Good skater, good shot, can make plays," he was quoted as saying.
