Yahoo Sports Oilers Announce Surprise New PTO Addition
Edmonton Oilers training camp opens today, with a few new faces in the dressing room.
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One of those faces is newer than others, with the announcement that winger Mike Hoffman will join the Oilers' training camp on a PTO.
The #Oilers have signed forward Mike Hoffman to a professional tryout.
The 34-year-old has recorded 228 goals & 259 assists in 745 career @NHL games. https://t.co/T8XfG1ZRMt— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) September 18, 2024
According to insider Frank Seravalli, the Oilers offered Hoffman the tryout after forward Carl Berglund's injury at the Young Stars Classic. Hoffman has a chance to make the team while serving as a body to keep training camp numbers consistent.
Hoffman, a 13-year veteran, spent last year in San Jose, scoring 10 goals and 23 points in 66 games. His best years came with the Senators and Panthers, notching six consecutive 20-goal seasons. His best season came in 2018-19 in Florida, when he scored 36 goals and 70 points.
At first blush, there isn't much room for Hoffman in the Oilers' lineup. The 34-year-old has always been a one-way scorer, best suited for a top-six role. With Jeff Skinner and Viktor Arvidsson in the mix, a spot for Hoffman will be hard to come by.
The Oilers have signed Mike Hoffman to a PTO pic.twitter.com/2QOxVFNXD6
— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) September 18, 2024
Hoffman's best bet is as a powerplay specialist on the second unit. Even near the end of his career on the worst team in the NHL, Hoffman could still provide a little offense with the man advantage.
At the very least his offensive presence can provide extra competition for a player like Matt Savoie in his fight to make the big league club. Given the Oiler organization's reputation among players, we could also see Hoffman stick around in Bakersfield as a veteran leader.
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