The Boston Bruins have selected Dougie Hamilton ninth overall in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft.

There may not be a smarter player taken in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft than Hamilton, who received the OHL’s Scholastic Player of the Year award with an average of 94 per cent in six subjects.

His smarts translate well to the ice as well. His decisions with and without the puck are second-to-none among defensemen in the draft, whether it be jumping into the rush as a fourth forward, thwarting an opposition’s attempt to gain the zone or making the first outlet pass.

He can do it with brawn as well. Hamilton punishes opposing forwards with strong checks, either against the boards or in open ice. Needless to say, the Toronto, ON. native is a presence every time he steps on the ice.

Sometimes, though, Hamilton can try to do too much. With all the tools he has, Hamilton sometimes tries to take the game over too much and can get trapped on a quick transition. Showing more patience will quickly cure Hamilton of this, which will simply come with time and coaching.

Follow Future Considerations on Twitter. For all the latest Future Considerations news and posts, follow FC’s Official Twitter Feed, on YouTube and on Facebook!