New York Islanders Calgary Flames Combined Starting Lineup

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Feb 28, 2017; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames defenseman Dougie Hamilton (27) skates during the warmup period against the Los Angeles Kings at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports /

Defense: Dougie Hamilton

Like most General Managers in the NHL, I wanted my combined starting lineup to have a left and right shot defenceman. And between the two clubs, there is no better right-handed shot D than Dougie Hamilton.

Yeah. I know Johnny Boychuk is a right-hand shot. And yes, I like Johnny Boychuk too. But there’s no denying Hamilton is a better player.

The 23-year-old had a shaky start to life in Calgary after being traded from Boston. But things have seemingly settled down, for the better.

With 39 points in 64 games, Hamilton is on pace for 50 points. Which would eclipse his career best single season points total of 42 from last season. Further drawing criticism of the trade that sent him to Calgary in the first place.

Remember, Calgary got Hamilton for a first and second round pick in 2015. Picks that the Bruins used to select Zachary Senyshyn at #15 and Jakob Forsbacka-Karlsson at #45. Decent draft picks doing relatively well for their junior and NCAA teams respectively. but they haven’t filled that void left by Hamilton yet. And we’re going on year two.