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Observations:

April 2015 – Mike Hoffman’s 29 games in the NHL from 2011-2014 were merely a precursor for his breakout rookie season in 2014-2015.  Coming into the season with just three goals in his NHL career, there were not many experts who tabbed the young winger to lead the NHL in rookie goals scored, but that’s exactly what he has done.  With 26 goals and 46 points in his rookie campaign Hoffman has helped to stabilize the Senators top nine forward group in a big way.  He has been an even strength monster this season, scoring 25 of his 26 goals five on five and posting a plus-23 rating, which is tops on the team. His 15.0% shooting percentage does leave some room for regression in the coming seasons, but it will likely be offset by the fact that he will most certainly gain a couple more minutes of ice time per game and will in all probability score more goals on the man advantage in the future.  Hoffman appears to be a high volume goal scorer moving forward. As a defensively responsible winger that possesses a cannon of a wrist shot, Hoffman will be fitting into Ottawa’s plans moving forward.  Kevin LeBlanc

September 2014 – Mike Hoffman is poised to crack the Senators lineup for opening night. Although the Kitchener native tallied just three goals and three assists in 25 games for Ottawa last season, he pushes the pace well through the neutral zone and showed chemistry playing on a number of line combinations. On a new-look Senators team that is aiming to be more up-tempo, Hoffman fits the mold. He’ll most likely suit up in the bottom-six, playing with David Legwand or Zack Smith. Fantasy wise, owners would hope he plays some time in the top-six; Ottawa’s bottom six lacks scoring power and will most likely be more defensively-capable. Nathan Martin

April 2014 – Mike Hoffman’s time in Ottawa continues to be a success.  He has now shown in a bigger sample size (20 games) that he has both the speed and the shot to be a constant threat in the NHL. Although the Kitchener-native could use some target practice (tends to miss the net high, a lot) he has no problem keeping up with the quicker players in the game.  What has become unfortunate for Hoffman is the continued strong play of Mark Stone, who sits on the ever-coveted right wing spot on the Turris-Macarthur line (at times it seems as though everybody and their brother could find chemistry with that pair).  Right now Hoffman is left carrying around Zack Smith and Chris Neil on Ottawa’s fourth line, a line that certainly plays a role but not one that plays to Hoffman’s strengths (or your fantasy interests).  Ideally, Hoffman finds his way onto a line with Zibanejad or Pageau, two centers that can absolutely fly through the neutral zone.  At times Hoffman looks like the fastest player on the ice for both teams. It would be in the best interest of the Senators to find a way to use that speed. Nathan Martin

December 2013 – Mike Hoffman has been recalled by the Ottawa Senators. Hoffman was off to a hot start in Binghamton, scoring 11 goals and 15 assists in his first 21 games.  Hoffman’s biggest asset is his North-South speed, most notably his ability to get behind defenders on the forecheck. The Kitchener-native has been given a spot on the second line with Kyle Turris and Bobby Ryan; a line that has been dominant so far this season, and, a line that gives Hoffman a real opportunity to strut his stuff.  However, with the Sens struggling to win games it’s certain that his leash will be short in the role he’s been given. If he can tighten things up defensively he could find a way to stick around in Ottawa. Plus, if he can stay on that second line with Turris and Ryan he has a really good chance to pile up some points on Ottawa’s best line all season. – Nathan Martin

July 2012 – Mike Hoffman is a goal-scoring forward who possesses a quick, accurate shot and very good skating ability. Hoffman was named the MVP of the QMJHL for the 09/10 season after scoring 46 goals and adding 39 assists for 85 points in 56 games. While he struggled in his first pro season with the Binghamton Senators of the AHL, only scoring 7 goals in 74 games, he tripled that output in his sophomore year, scoring 21 goals in 76 games. His improved play in the 11/12 season earned him a one game call-up to the NHL. Hoffman will need to work on his overall game and continue improving in the minors in order to earn a longer look at the NHL level.

Fantasy Outlook: C+

Currently leading 2014-15 rookies in goals. Should be a fixture in Ottawa’s lineup moving forward.

Footage:

Hoffman goal against Albany (December 26, 2011):

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