Edmonton Oilers make decision on Mike Hoffman after joining camp on tryout offer
Photo credit: Edmonton Sun
The Edmonton Oilers announced they have released forward Mike Hoffman from his tryout contract.
The Oilers signed the 34 year old veteran forward at the beginning of training camp. Hoffman has played 745 career NHL games, scoring 228 goals and 487 points. Hoffman used to be a threat to score 30 goals a year, but has scored fewer than 34 points the last two seasons. In four preseason games with the Oilers, Hoffman scored one goal and three assists.
The Oilers potentially wanted to see if Hoffman could bring some secondary scoring to the lineup. One concern braised about the Oilers bottom six is the fact that their third line wingers combined for only 8 goals last season. Hoffman could've contributed there, but he's more of a one-dimensional player and couldn't fulfill a penalty kill role. Hoffman will now have to find another NHL or AHL opportunity, or perhaps consider retirement.
Not only is Hoffman not a great fit on this year's Oilers team, young players like Raphael Lavoie, Noah Philp, and James Hamblin have had great training camps and look like they're NHL ready players. Giving that opportunity to a 34 year old free agent instead of homegrown prospects makes little sense.
The Oilers now have one player left on a tryout contract at training camp: defenceman Travis Dermott. He's a 27 year old veteran of 329 games, and recently, Oilers insider Jim Matheson suggested he could take a two-way contract. Dermott would have to agree to that contract knowing he may not have a guaranteed NHL role.
With only three preseason games left until the regular season begins, the Oilers will be making more roster decisions in the coming days. Keep it locked here for all Oilers news.
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