About Last Season: Dougie Hamilton Performance Review and Grade

Dougie Hamilton: 2018-19 By The Numbers

• Age: 25
• NHL Seasons: 7
• Games Played: 82
• Scoring: 18 goals, 21 assists, 39 points
• Ice Time: 19:40 all situations, 17:33 ES, 1:52 PP, 0:15 PK
• 5 on 5 Stats: 58.1% CF, 57.25 GF
• Contract: Under contract through 2020-21, $5.75 Million AAV

Making The Grade

When the Carolina Hurricanes made their blockbuster trade last summer sending Noah Hanifin and Elias Lindholm to Calgary in exchange for Micheal Ferland and Dougie Hamilton, many thought Carolina had won the deal. A year later, it would seem certain they won the deal, at least in the short term, but not because of Ferland, rather mainly because of Hamilton.

Painted as a lost cause, museum loving, castaway, Hamilton quickly became a fan favorite with his interview shenanigans and funny nature, but the turning point was really when he broke out The Floss after being named one of the three stars of a game in October.

Despite his fun personality, his on ice production struggled early on. Registering only 10 points through his first 38 games as a Hurricane, many were left to question what Carolina had truly gotten in their blockbuster deal. We wouldn’t find out until after the season that Hamilton was playing with a broken finger for most of the early season and it becomes obvious when that finger healed just by looking at the stat sheet.

From January 3 on, Hamilton posted 29 points, including the stretch run that saw him go no more than two games in a row without at least one point after February 10. He was a key component of the Hurricanes’ offensive surge in the second half despite only seeing an average of 1:52 a night on the power play.

The playoffs would see a change for Dougie. The Capitals series was by far his best as he scored six points in seven games. It was during this series that the fan favorite took on a whole different meaning. Hamilton The Pig was introduced to the masses at PNC Arena during the first round and Hamilton the hockey player couldn’t resist the urge to get in on the hype.

Building off the fun and inspired by the playoff run, Hamilton grew out a legendary mullet hairdo that was straight out of the retro NHL world.

Unfortunately for both the Hurricanes and Hamilton, his hot streak ran cold from the second round on. He scored just one point in his final eight playoff games and ended the season getting taunted by Boston fans who conveniently forgot their friendly, welcoming nature on their way to the rink.

Overall it was a great first season in Raleigh for Dougie Hamilton. He scored a career high in goals at 18, became a fan favorite, and shred any sort of lingering questions regarding his character. Looking ahead, Hamilton has two more seasons left on his contract and will be looked upon to take another large role on the defensive side for the Hurricanes. One would guess he will get more power play time going forward as he should, and one can guess he will likely see plenty of ice time alongside Jaccob Slavin as he did this season.

Perhaps the only question to ponder about Dougie Hamilton moving in to a fresh season is not what museums or libraries he will discover. It’s how on Earth can he enjoy North Carolina BBQ now, knowing how much that must hurt his new best friend Hamilton the Pig’s feelings?

Exit Interview

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