The most intriguing contract case this summer is apparently being left to wait at the bargaining table.

Dougie Hamilton's agent, J.P. Barry, told CSNNE's Joe Haggerty that he and his client have been waiting on the Boston Bruins to begin negotiations on a new contract.

The restricted free agent emerged as a top-flight contributor, and arguably Boston's most reliable defender, in his all-important contract season. His rise, coupled with the lucrative market for top-rotation defenseman, has resulted in some pundits suggesting Hamilton could command upwards of $7 million per season if he were on the open market.

For the cap-crunched Bruins, who were forced to part with a key contributor in defenseman Johnny Boychuk at the start of last season due to financial restraints, that figure would have a significant ripple effect down the lineup.

General manager Don Sweeney has been unhurried in his decisions since assuming control, but to prevent another calamitous departure this summer, he might be wise to pick up the pace.