The Montreal Canadiens are going to be one of the youngest teams in the NHL heading into the 2023-24 season, and while most young teams like to have veteran influences, it appears that they may be looking to demote one of their biggest veterans.
Too much depth up front?
With young names like Caufield, Suzuki, Dach, Newhook and others, the Canadiens may have a tough run finding ice time for all their veterans, and now, a reporter from The Hockey Writers has suggested Mike Hoffman may end up being the odd man out.
-
At the peak of his powers back in 2018-19, Hoffman scored 36 goals and had 70 points for the Florida Panthers, but in his two years with the Canadiens, Hoffman has put up just 29 goals in 134 games played.
Why not trade him?
Right now, Hoffman's value must be incredibly low around the league, as any team taking him on would also be looking at his $4.5 million cap hit, and with Montreal not looking to give away future assets to move him, a deal seems unlikely.
While the team could be looking to play him purely to improve his trade stock, they just have too many young forwards ready to make an impact at the NHL level, and with one-year left on his deal, Hoffman may need to spend that time down in the AHL.
As Read on The Hockey Writers - Canadiens Should Bury Hoffman in AHL in 2023-24
Is demoting Hoffman to the AHL the right move for Montreal?
Also read on Markerzone.com:
Young Montreal Canadiens draft pick traded in massive junior deal
