— Trade rumors are as much a part of the NHL Draft as the picks themselves. Reports run wild in the days and weeks leading up to the draft, with many speculating about whether picks or players will change hands as teams across the league add new pieces.

Dougie Hamilton knew his name had been mentioned heading into last week's draft, but it wasn't until he sat down to watch on Saturday that his suspicions were confirmed.

The 25-year-old, who spent the last three seasons in Calgary, was Carolina bound to become a key piece of the Hurricanes' blue line.

"My name was in a lot of trade rumors for a couple years now. You never really know," Hamilton said Tuesday in an interview with 99.9 The Fan. "I knew my name was out there, but I found out from the TV. It's funny how it works. I'm happy with everything and I'm excited for the future."

Hamilton, forward Michael Ferland and prospect Adam Fox became Hurricanes in a deal that sent defenseman Noah Hanifin and forward Elias Lindholm to the Flames.

Saturday's trade is one of many moves the Hurricanes are hoping will end the league's longest playoff drought, currently at nine seasons. Hamilton now has been traded at the draft twice after going from the Boston Bruins to the Flames three years ago.

Hamilton said Tuesday he'll work to get used to a new city and new teammates as quickly as possible.

"I've talked to a couple of guys on the team, and they all told me I'll enjoy it there," he said.

Hamilton said he's excited to learn from some of Carolina's older players while also providing some leadership to younger players both on and off the ice.

"As a team, I think they’re really young and skilled. They were always hard to play against, and we would always have close games," he said of the Hurricanes. "I’m excited to play with those guys. Hopefully we can be a better team and try to make the playoffs."

New Hurricanes General Manager Don Waddell said there were "no red flags" about Hamilton and was thrilled to pick up an offensive-minded blue liner who has 220 points in 423 regular-season games.

Hamilton scored a career-high 17 goals for the Flames last season, tied for the most in the NHL by a defenseman. He was second among defensemen in shots (270) and posted a career high in time on ice per game (21:32).

"Goals come from a lot of luck. You get in positions where you try to get good shots," Hamilton said. "A lot of the times when you make a good shot it doesn't go in, but when you make an OK shot or a bad shot it goes in. I just want to keep on trying to help the team, just all around on the ice. It was nice to contribute last year with the goals."