Reese Hamilton (D, L, 6’0″, 174, Regina Pats, 03/26/2007)
Reese Hamilton is a mobile, left-shot defenseman with fluid four-way skating, offensive instincts, and the ability to transition pucks with pace and confidence. After a promising 2023–24 season that saw him produce 31 points in 42 games with Calgary, his 2024–25 campaign was more erratic, splitting the year between Calgary and Regina with reduced offensive output and inconsistent defensive results. Despite that, Hamilton still logged heavy minutes and remained a primary puck mover and power play option on both clubs.
Statistical Profile
2023–24 (Calgary): 42 GP | 8 G | 23 A | 31 PTS | 8 PIM | -8
2024–25 (Calgary): 20 GP | 1 G | 2 A | 3 PTS | 10 PIM | -5
2024–25 (Regina): 39 GP | 3 G | 8 A | 11 PTS | 23 PIM | -20
2024 Hlinka-Gretzky Cup (Canada): 5 GP | 0 PTS
2024–25 Single Game Averages:
TOI: 19:28 | PPT: 2:25 | SHT: 0:59
PIA/PID: 8:45 / 8:10
Shots (S/S+/SBL/S-): 3.5 / 1.6 / 1.23 / 0.71
SC/SC%: 0.55 / 2.8%
Puck Battles (C/C%): 10 / 50%
Passing (P%/PSP): 88% / 0.58
TA/GA: 8 / 4.9
BL: 1.89
Reasons to Draft
Elite Mobility and Transition Skill
Hamilton’s best tool is his skating. He has strong edge control, an explosive first step, and the ability to evade forecheckers and push the pace of play. His smooth stride and balance allow him to transition up ice cleanly and maintain puck control through contact.
Offensive Blueprint from the Blue Line
Despite a down year statistically, Hamilton remains an instinctive puck-mover with poise at the offensive blue line. His ability to walk the line, change shooting angles, and jump into space with timing gives him second-unit power play upside. His 31-point season as a WHL rookie remains a strong indicator of his offensive potential.
Situational Awareness and Vision
Hamilton reads pressure well, especially on breakouts and zone exits. His passing is generally accurate and decisive (88% success), with the ability to stretch the ice with direct outlet passes. He is capable of driving transition through both skating and puck distribution.
High Minutes, High Usage Player
Hamilton averaged close to 20 minutes per game on two different WHL teams and saw consistent special teams time. Coaches trust him in a puck-moving role, and he’s regularly deployed against top competition despite team-level struggles.
Reasons Not to Draft
Regression in Point Production and Impact
After putting up 31 points as a rookie, Hamilton’s offensive output dropped to just 14 points over 59 games in 2024–25. While situational usage and team changes played a role, scouts will question whether he plateaued or struggled with increased defensive responsibility.
Defensive Instincts and Risk Management
Though Hamilton shows flashes of strong gap control and physicality, there are regular lapses in spatial awareness and timing, particularly in transition defense. He can be caught pressing too high in the zone, leading to odd-man rushes. His -20 rating with Regina reflects the volatility in his defensive game.
Limited Power Game
At 6’0″, Hamilton is undersized and he doesn’t consistently play with a physical edge. While he holds his own in puck battles (50%), he isn’t a physically imposing defender and relies more on an active stick and positioning more than body leverage.
Shot Effectiveness and Finishing
Hamilton gets pucks to the net (3.5 shot attempts/game), but his 2.8% scoring chance conversion and frequent shot blocks (1.23/game) show a clear lack of deception or shooting lane manipulation. His shot lacks power, and he’s often forced to shoot from distance under pressure.
Projection & Recommendation
Projection: Bottom-pair puck-moving defenseman with second-unit power play upside
Development Path: One season in the WHL, followed by two plus in an NCAA environment followed by an AHL two-year adjustment curve
Draft Recommendation: 4th–5th Round
Verdict:
Reese Hamilton has the mobility, transition tools, and offensive instincts that fit the mold of a modern NHL defenseman, but his trajectory flattened in 2024–25. A change in scenery, greater defensive responsibility, and growing pains contributed to inconsistent play. However, his base skillset—skating, vision, and puck movement—remains projectable. With targeted development in his defensive reads and decision-making under pressure, Hamilton could emerge as a reliable puck-moving depth defender at the NHL level. He’s worth a mid-to-late round pick for teams seeking mobility and power play support from the back end.
Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images