Oilers Release Former QMJHL Forward from PTO
Today, the Edmonton Oilers have announced they've released former QMJHL forward Mike Hoffman from his professional tryout (PTO).
Hoffman has a combined 745 NHL regular season games of experience under his belt with the Ottawa Senators, Florida Panthers, St. Louis Blues, Montreal Canadiens and San Jose Sharks. During that span, he scored 228 goals and 487 points, adding another 11 goals and 20 points in 33 postseason games.
It took time for Hoffman's goalscoring abilities to be evident in the QMJHL. After being cut from the Kitchener Rangers in the OHL, he made his way to the Gatineau Olympiques for a short period of time before being cut once more.
They say that the third time is a charm. In this case, it's true.
When Hoffman signed with the Drummondville Voltigeurs, he became an integral part of their team. In his second year with the Voltigeurs, he finished third in scoring on his team in the regular season and was a big part of them emerging victorious from the QMJHL postseason.
Hoffman spent the following season with the Saint John Sea Dogs. Throughout his QMJHL career, he would put up 122 goals and 227 points in 180 regular season games. He added another 32 goals and 58 points in 40 postseason games.
Hoffman was drafted by the Ottawa Senators with the 130th overall pick in the 2009 NHL draft. The year after his graduation from the QMJHL, Hoffman went on to be a part of the 2011 Calder Cup winning Binghamton Senators.
Despite being cut from the Oilers' roster, we can expect the six-time 22+ goal scorer to find a gig elsewhere, whether that be on another NHL team or overseas in Europe.
Related: Canucks Release Former QMJHL Forward from PTO
Related: Last Weekend: Former QMJHL Goaltender Creed Jones Remembered by Olympiques, Océanic