A week ago, the Edmonton Oilers re-signed F’s Rob Klinkhammer and Ryan Hamilton to one-year contracts for the 2015-16 season. We talked about Klinkhammer’s deal, but Hamilton’s got lost in the shuffle. Between Klinkhammer coming back and all the Jeff Petry talk, it was easy to forget about the AHL call-up who is really playing his first extended NHL stint.
Ryan Hamilton originally signed with Edmonton on a two-year deal on July 5th, 2013, and was slated to be a UFA on July 1st of this summer. In theory, it meant absolutely nothing to the NHL club if Hamilton walked away this summer. He played in just two games in 2013-14, being a complete non-factor. He spent 30 games down in the AHL, and battled an injury.
This season, Hamilton was more of the same, playing in 32 AHL games while collecting 29 points for the Barons. He became a key part of a good OKC squad, and emerged as a real leader on the team, both on the ice and off of it. He had earned the trust of Todd Nelson, who of course took over Edmonton’s bench earlier this year. Fast forward to February, when injuries hit Edmonton. The Oilers were forced to make a recall, and Ryan Hamilton was the choice.
In eight games with Edmonton, he has two points, including his first NHL goal, and he’s actually played pretty well for the Oilers all things considered. Now, Hamilton has not established himself as an NHL regular, but he has established himself as a tweener and a legit option for a veteran call-up when injuries strike. Every team needs those kinds of guys.
Re-signing Ryan Hamilton is a massive move for Edmonton at the AHL-level for next season. He was close to a point-per-game guy for the Barons this season, and provided a leadership aspect and a veteran presence. With Anton Lander heading to the NHL full-time, Hamilton emerges as the leader for captain next year when the team heads to Bakersfield.
Every AHL team needs a veteran, and Hamilton appears to be that guy for the Condors next season. He’ll be able to help teach the young guys (Draisaitl, Nurse, Yakimov, Chase, Houck, Platzer, etc.) about how to be a pro, and will help the Condors in terms of on-ice production. He’ll give them someone to lean on.
From an NHL perspective, this is perfect insurance. I highly doubt Ryan Hamilton will make the roster out of training camp next year, so he falls into the category as a call-up option. He’s proven this year he can handle that role when called on, which is nice. This will keep Edmonton from having to call-up a young player that simply isn’t ready, allowing guys like Yakimov to stay in the AHL developing.
This signing won’t make or break Edmonton in 2015-16, not even close, but it’s a nice insurance contract. A solid player at the AHL level who is a true leader and captain material, as well as a decent option for a call-up to the NHL when injuries strike. On a one-year, low money deal, it’s a nice get for Edmonton.
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