Report: Bruins, Hamilton's agent expected to talk contract at draft
The Boston Bruins appear ready to get down to business.
One of the main items on general manager Don Sweeney's agenda this summer will be signing restricted free-agent defenseman Dougie Hamilton to a new contract.
Hamilton's agent, J.P. Barry, will be in Florida for the 2015 NHL Draft on June 26-27, and he and the Bruins are expected to present their perspectives on the situation, according to DJ Bean of WEEI.
Barry is believed to be seeking a deal worth upwards of $6 million to $7 million per season for his client, while the 22-year-old can begin speaking to other teams as early as July 1 with a view to signing an offer sheet.
If Hamilton chooses to go that route, the Bruins would have seven days to either match the contract or allow the defenseman to leave while accepting draft-pick compensation in return.
Offers sheets are rather rare in today's NHL, and it's even more rare that a team would decline to match. A potential franchise defenseman doesn't come around every day, however, meaning Hamilton could indeed be a prime candidate for such a maneuver.
In 72 games this past season, Hamilton recorded ten goals and 32 assists with a 58.8 Corsi For rating in all situations.