Joe Haggerty On Toucher & Rich: Dougie Hamilton's Parents 'Heavily Involved In His Career'
BOSTON (CBS) -- On Tuesday, it was reported that former Bruins defenseman Dougie Hamilton wanted out of Boston because the team refused to trade for his brother, Freddie. And now, it seems that the issues were not raised by Dougie alone.
When asked about the story on Wednesday, CSNNE Bruins Insider Joe Haggerty told Toucher & Rich that, while he did not hear anything about that specific report, Hamilton's parents may have played a role in his issues with the team and eventual exit.
"What I did hear was that his parents were heavily involved in his career, probably more so than you see with most guys who are 21, 22 years old," said Haggerty. "And there was some pushback because there were phone calls made to the Bruins organization, or there was some involvement in the way he was being used and things like that."
When Rich asked if he was saying that Dougie's parents were calling the Bruins to complain about how he was being used, Haggerty reiterated that they were "heavily involved in his career" without confirming anything further. He added that the parents have also been heavily involved in Freddie's career with the San Jose Sharks.
As for the Bruins themselves, they shut out the Arizona Coyotes 6-0 Tuesday night at the TD Garden, and are 4-0-1 after an ugly 0-3 start. David Krejci continues to score at an incredible pace, while many of the team's new faces appear to be settling in.
So that begs the question: Is this Bruins team actually better than last season?
Fred Toucher posed the question to Haggerty. Haggerty likes what he sees so far, but needs to see them consistently play at a high level for longer before planning the Duck Boat parade.
"What you're seeing right now is the high ceiling and high watermark of this team," said Haggerty. "I'm still not sold on them as a playoff team...You see some signs that 'OK, this team might have something if they can put it all together.' But you're going to need it over a much greater stretch to start thinking postseason and thinking good thoughts completely with the team."
Haggerty did say, however, that he thinks the offense is for real and could finish the season near the top of the league.
"You've seen enough signs now, I think, to know that they're going to be a top-5 offense in the NHL. They should be, given just what they've done so far, and they might not score at the clip they are right now but they'll still be pretty good."
Listen to the full interview with Joe Haggerty below:
