PAST DEVILS PODCASTS
SPEAK OF THE DEVILS PODCAST
New Jersey Devils Official Podcast
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Dougie Hamilton | Speak of the Devils
Mike Vukojevic
Luke Hughes
Chase Stillman
Bryant McBride
Utica Devils head coach Kevin Dineen
2021 Draft Recap
Scott Clemmensen
Nico Daws
Duggan Joins the Devils
Robert Esch
Jonas Siegenthaler
Nolan Foote](https://www.nhl.com/devils/news/podcast-nolan-following-his-fathers-foote-steps/c-324183022)
Ty Smith
More than fun, though, the brief experiment planted some seeds in his game that sprouted even after going back to his roots.
"I think it helped my game," he said. "It helped me see what forwards do, how they play. I could relate to them a little more, work on different things offensively and then go back to defense and incorporate some of that stuff. I think it helped me in the end."
Hamilton still taps that muscle memory from time to time, joining the rush or even providing a goalie screen. Though he's learned to better pick his spots with age.
"Sometimes it comes out," he laughed of his forward proclivity. "Sometimes it's good. Sometimes not so good. It's just trying to balance everything."
It's no wonder that Hamilton's favorite players throughout his childhood were offensive threats like Mats Sundin - whom played for his native Toronto Maple Leafs - Zach Parise, Shane Doan and Alex Ovechkin. As for the defensive end, he admired the play of Scott Niedermayer and Brent Burns. With the exception of Niedermayer, the rest of those players were forwards, or at least dabbled in the position in Burns' case.
Two of those players - Niedermayer and Parise - began their careers in New Jersey after the Devils selected each in the first round of their respective draft classes.
Hamilton will now join his boyhood idols in wearing the Devils' logo on his chest after signing a massive seven-year, $63-million deal with the club in the summer. Though he's been skating with his new teammates for the past month, Wednesday will mark the official start of training camp. Though Hamilton would prefer to skip a head a few weeks.
"I'm excited for the season to start. I'm not excited for training camp," he said with a chuckle. "I'm excited to get on the ice with the guys and meet them, start competing with them. Trying to work on chemistry and all of that stuff."
Hamilton could have signed with any club in the offseason. But he chose New Jersey for a reason. And it wasn't about the money. There were other teams offering similar dollar and term values. Hamilton chose New Jersey because he believes in the future of the team under general manager Tom Fitzgerald and the talent that has been accumulated over the past few years.
"I saw a lot of potential with the Devils roster," he said, "a lot of young guys, a lot of talent. It's going to keep getting better."
And for Hamilton, knowing that the assembled roster now and in the future is in good hands with Fitzgerald and former Hall of Fame goaltender and team consultant Martin Brodeur was an important factor.
"Just talking to (Fitzgerald) and hearing what he had to say about everything and the direction of the team, I have so much respect for the guys that have played," Hamilton said. "He's had a great career. Now seeing him on the other side. Talking to Brodeur, who is a legend that's done it all. To have those guys leading the way, they know what it takes to win.
"They're going to do everything they can to help you and help the team. It's exciting to have that and be a part of it."
