Ryan Hofer

October 2023 – Hofer will have his work cut out for him this season as he will battle for a roster spot on an incredibly full Hershey Bears squad. If he does not give his all throughout the AHL training camp he will find himself starting in the ECHL. Playing for the Sting Rays may not be the worst for Hofer who, while playing well in the WHL, never really stood out production-wise but was always improving. It will be a while before he has a chance to make the NHL, but the Capitals will need to rebuild in a few seasons and that may give him a roster shot. Pat Quinn

March 2023 – It is not often you see a sixth round selection signed to an ELC the year they were drafted but the Capitals signed Hofer to that deal recently. He was a overage selection in 2022, so the deal is to bring him to the AHL/ECHL next season. Hofer has been a good scorer and a high-volume shooter in his second full WHL season with 58 points in 53 games. He also could be a good multi-cat player as he has penalty minutes of 84 and 94 in his two WHL seasons. It is a bit of a stretch to think he would be a top six forward in the NHL, but he could max out as a middle-six player who loves to hit, shoot and rack up the PIMs. Pat Quinn