Hoffman had solid production during the 4 out of 5 preseason games he played with the Oilers, which is even more stunning.
Hoffman posted 4 points( 1 G, 3 A) in 4 games, with a -2 rating, which may have given him less of a stellar look to the Oilers front office.
The Oiler's roster was already so deep that, given the veterans occupying the spots already, he would have had an issue regardless of making the roster.
If Hoffman there was another team out there needing help, whom he had a PTO with, it seems like it'd been likelier he'd have landed a one-way contract already.
However, there will be interest in Hoffman's services, whether it's a one-year, two-way deal or the option remains for Hoffman to play a year in Europe as well.
The Blackhawks while even more of a competitive team this season, have the cap space to give Hoffman a shot at a roster spot or a two-way deal.
As of course, we know how injured the team was in 2023-2024, you always need a call-up.
He could be a mentor for players like Landon Slaggert and Samuel Savoie in the AHL as well.
It seems unlikely that Hoffman will see the NHL ice on opening night, but an AHL spot could be a ladder back into a roster spot with the Blackhawks by way of the Icehogs.
Hoffman hasn't seen AHL ice, since his time in Binghamton, when he Captained the AHL Senators in 2013-2014.
POLL | ||
30 SEPTEMBRE | 51 ANSWERS Chicago Blackhawks to sign 745 game NHL veteran Mike Hoffman? The opportunity arises upon Oilers PTO release Should the Blackhawks sign Mike Hoffman to a two-way contract? | ||
Yes | 31 | 60.8 % |
No | 20 | 39.2 % |
List of polls |