New York Islanders Interested In Trading For Mike Hoffman

After missing out on Matt Duchene, the New York Islanders now have shown interest in Mike Hoffman. It’s worth it despite past controversy.

David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period is reporting that the New York Islanders have interest in pursuing Mike Hoffman. On the ice, Hoffman is having a career year for the Florida Panthers, who are well out of a playoff spot.

Through 60 games, Hoffman has 51 points (26 goals, 25 assists). He’s on pace for a 70 point season which would be a new career high. His previous career high was 61 coming in 2016-2017 with the Ottawa Senators.

This is the fourth consecutive year that Hoffman has put up 50 or more points. He also hasn’t scored less than 22 goals in a single season. He would be a fantastic addition to the Islanders top-six and a nice piece to go along with Mathew Barzal.

Off the ice

Off the ice, there is definitely a little concern, and it’s not even with Hoffman himself. The reason he was moved in the first place is because Hoffman’s girlfriend allegedly was harassing Melinda Karlsson, the wife of Erik Karlsson.

She had awful comments wishing death to both Melinda and her unborn son. Both Karlsson and Hoffman were traded and the controversy has since quieted down. The original trade didn’t yield that much for Ottawa but the price will likely change this time around.

What would it take

What’s interesting about Mike Hoffman is he isn’t a rental. He has one more year left after this one at $5.19 million. He’s put up similar numbers to Mats Zuccarello who just got dealt yesterday, only the difference is Hoffman is having a better year this year and has one more year left on his team friendly deal.

Perhaps something like this could get the Hoffman deal done:

For Florida, they are guaranteed the Islanders 1st rounder from this year, and Kieffer Bellows who is a top-five prospect in the Islanders system. The condition on the 2nd rounder is if Hoffman re-signs that becomes a first-round pick.

The Lines

Lee – Nelson – Eberle

Hoffman – Barzal – Bailey

Beauvillier – Filppula – Komarov

Martin – Cizikas – Clutterbuck

Mike Hoffman would slide right into the second line with Barzal and Bailey. Komarov, after serving with Barzal for one game (one too many) slides back down to the bottom six where he is better off.

Hoffman, although not one of the big three on the market, would be a great addition to the team and worth any “off-ice baggage”. Hopefully, Lou Lamoriello can work something out for the stud winger.