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The 8th overall pick in 2007 (Boston), Hamill has been a major disappointment as a pro. He signed as a free agent with Vancouver in an attempt to revive his flagging career. Even with the talented Canucks his chances for sustained success are slim. Ignore him on draft day.
Hamill, who picked up an assist in three games in his stint with the big club this past season, is a crafty playmaker, but he has yet to demonstrate that he possesses the physical element necessary to thrive at the NHL level. He's underperformed overall since being the eight overall pick in the 2007 draft, but perhaps knowing that he's in "now or never" land with the Bruins' organization will put a fire under him in training camp.
The slightly-built Hamill still has some developing to do in terms of playing more physical hockey, but he has upside as a playmaker. The former first-rounder needs to get stronger and more consistent in order to effectively deploy his skills at the pro level with the Bruins however.
A thumb injury that required surgery slowed Hamill out of the gate last year and overall the former WHL scoring champ hasn't developed as quickly as hoped. That said, it's way to early to give up on such a skilled playmaker. Look for him to get a chance to work on a scoring line with AHL Providence this season and don't be surprised if he has a break-out campaign.
While Hamill didn't repeat as WHL scoring leader last season, his hockey sense and puck skills have scouts (and Bruins' fans) revved up. He's still a year or two a way, but the Bruins organization has really turned things around at the grassroots level and Hamill figures to head the team's next big influx of talent up front.
Hamill was returned to his junior club (Everett Silvertips of the WHL) in Sept. 2007.
Hamill entered the 2007 NHL Entry Draft wearing the Western Hockey League's scoring crown. Pretty sweet until you check the numbers -- his 93 points were the lowest total in WHL history. Sure, he has soft hands and great hockey IQ, but his size (5'10" and 180 lbs) and slowish feet scare some scouts to death. He could be a top-line center when paired with the right wingers. Or he could be a checker forever. Roll the dice.
