The Edmonton Oilers have made a significant move in their roster by signing forward Mike Hoffman to a professional tryout (PTO) contract. The team announced the signing on Monday, December 28th.
Hoffman, 31, is a skilled left winger who has played in the NHL for 10 seasons. He has recorded 359 points in 493 career games, with his most recent stint being with the Florida Panthers. Last season, he tallied 59 points in 69 games before the season was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Oilers have been in need of a top-six winger, and Hoffman’s addition could provide a much-needed boost to their offense. He is known for his scoring ability, with five consecutive seasons of 20 or more goals. He also has a strong power play presence, with 65 power play goals in his career.
Hoffman’s signing comes after the Oilers lost forward Jesse Puljujarvi to a lower-body injury. Puljujarvi is expected to be out for at least two weeks, creating an opportunity for Hoffman to showcase his skills during the team’s training camp.
The PTO contract allows Hoffman to participate in the Oilers’ training camp and preseason games, giving the team a chance to evaluate his performance before potentially offering him a contract for the regular season.
The Oilers have been making moves to strengthen their roster, including the recent signing of defenseman Tyson Barrie and the acquisition of forward Kyle Turris. Hoffman’s addition adds even more depth to the team’s lineup and could prove to be a valuable asset in their pursuit of a playoff spot.
The Oilers’ training camp is set to begin on January 3rd, with their first preseason game scheduled for January 9th against the Calgary Flames. Fans will be eagerly watching to see how Hoffman performs and if he will earn a spot on the team’s roster for the upcoming season.
Overall, the signing of Mike Hoffman to a PTO contract is a significant move for the Edmonton Oilers and could have a positive impact on their performance in the upcoming season. Fans will have to wait and see how he fits into the team’s lineup, but there is no doubt that his scoring ability and experience in the league will be a valuable addition to the team.
