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Hamilton Bulldogs: Which overagers will be back?

By Jeff Langridge

REGINA, SK - MAY 18: Nicholas Caamano #10 and Ryan Moore #40 of Hamilton Bulldogs celebrate a goal against the Regina Pats at Brandt Centre - Evraz Place on May 18, 2018 in Regina, Canada. (Photo by Marissa Baecker/Getty Images)
REGINA, SK - MAY 18: Nicholas Caamano #10 and Ryan Moore #40 of Hamilton Bulldogs celebrate a goal against the Regina Pats at Brandt Centre - Evraz Place on May 18, 2018 in Regina, Canada. (Photo by Marissa Baecker/Getty Images) /
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MISSISSAUGA, ON – DECEMBER 10: Goalie Emanuel Vella #30 of the Mississauga Steelheads and Nicholas Caamano #10 of the Hamilton Bulldogs prepare for a shot during game action on December 10, 2017 at Hershey Centre in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Graig Abel/Getty Images)
MISSISSAUGA, ON – DECEMBER 10: Goalie Emanuel Vella #30 of the Mississauga Steelheads and Nicholas Caamano #10 of the Hamilton Bulldogs prepare for a shot during game action on December 10, 2017 at Hershey Centre in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Graig Abel/Getty Images) /

Forwards

Nicholas Caamano

Caamano could have very well earned a spot on the Dallas Stars roster after a strong preseason last year. Instead, he was sent back down to Flint before the Bulldogs made their first big move to acquire him and Ryan Moore. Playing close to home worked out for Caamano as he scored 13 goals and added 23 assists for 36 points in 41 games with Hamilton.

After that strong season, there is no way that he is not playing in Texas next season. The only question is whether or not he will be playing in Dallas.

Will He Be Back? No

Will Bitten

In a situation very similar to Caamano, it is almost assured that Bitten will be playing for the Laval Rocket next season, if not the Montreal Canadiens. He has been waiting for his chance to take the next step and next season, he can finally move on from the OHL.

With the Habs in disarray, Bitten’s motivation could propel him to a spot on their roster if he performs well enough in training camp.

Will He Be Back? No

Owen Burnell

Burnell ended up being one of the better stories for the Bulldogs last season. He was drafted by the team in 2014 but didn’t join the team until last season. The season didn’t exactly go well for him, as he proved to be rather injury-prone. He only played 29 games in the regular season and missed most of the playoffs. He did manage to play in the final four playoff games though and was raise the J. Ross Robertson Trophy.

All that being said, he was a fourth-liner when he did play and the Bulldogs have better players that need to be brought back.

Will He Be Back? No

Brandon Saigeon

Saigeon was one of the players that was almost assuredly returning to the Bulldogs next season. After all, he wasn’t affiliated with any NHL team and he was one of the best players the Bulldogs had. That was until his agent apparently told him that “almost every NHL team” would either take him in the draft or sign him afterwards.

If that does indeed happen, whatever team does pick him up should put him on their AHL team as he is definitely ready for it.

Will He Be Back? No

Marian Studenic

Studenic was drafted by the New Jersey Devils last year. A skilled player who tried to develop more of a defensive game last season, he actually saw lots of time on the penalty kill. He is a player that could be a steal of a pick if he continues on the path he’s on. Considering he was a fifth-rounder, the Devils made a good pick.

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The Devils should choose to keep him with the Bulldogs as he has the chance to play more of an important role with the team after all the departures. That would again help his development.

Will He Be Back? Yes

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