Reese Hamilton, born on March 26, 2007, in Whitewood, Saskatchewan, is a left-shot defenseman currently playing for the Regina Pats in the Western Hockey League (WHL). Standing at 6-foot-1 and weighing around 170 pounds, Hamilton is eligible for the 2025 NHL Entry Draft and has garnered attention from NHL scouts due to his impressive skating and puck-handling abilities.
Hamilton's journey through hockey has been marked by significant achievements. In his youth, he played for the Whitewood MHA and achieved considerable success in the CSSHL U15 league, where he was recognized as the Most Points by Defenseman and Top Defenseman. He also secured a CSSHL U16 Champion title, showcasing his potential early on.
Scouting reports describe Hamilton as a mobile, two-way defenseman known for his graceful skating. One scout noted in March 2025 that Hamilton "remains one of the most graceful skaters in the entire draft." His mobility allows him to transport pucks effectively, control the blue line, and quickly recover to defend. Another scout highlighted moments where Hamilton demonstrated "awesome" plays, such as an "instant cross-slot pass off the reception." While some observations indicate that his performance can be inconsistent, flashes of brilliance still captivate scouts.
Hamilton's 2024-25 season was split between the Calgary Hitmen and the Regina Pats, a transition that may have impacted his performance. In 20 games with the Hitmen, he recorded one goal and two assists. After being traded to the Pats, he contributed three goals and eight assists in 39 games, totaling 14 points in 59 games. This output was a noticeable decrease from his 2023-24 season, where he tallied 31 points in 42 games. This dip in offensive production has seemingly affected his draft stock, causing him to slide down in various rankings.
Despite the criticism regarding consistency, Hamilton possesses a solid foundation that NHL teams could find appealing. His strengths lie in his skating, puck movement, and ability to exit the zone effectively. As he matures in the WHL, there is optimism that he can further develop his offensive game and become a more dynamic player.
Currently, Hamilton's rankings vary across different scouting agencies. Elite Prospects ranks him at 93rd, while TSN/Bob McKenzie places him at 62nd. NHL Central Scouting (North American Skaters) has him at 113th. Other rankings include 85th by THN/Kennedy and 121st by FC Hockey, indicating a wide range of opinions on his draft potential.
Overall, Reese Hamilton projects as a potential mid- to late-round pick in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft. His skill set and physical attributes provide a promising base for development. Teams may be willing to invest in his potential, hoping that he can regain his confidence and consistency to become a valuable asset at the professional level.
