Hoffman files for arbitration

[Jasmine]

http://www.silversevensens.com/2015/7/4/8893829/mike-hoffman-files-for-arbitration

[Josh]

Sounds like the Sens could be trying to include him in a package for a top-flight defenseman. Shattenkirk and Fowler keep coming up. I like Hoffman a whole lot, but I'd definitely be ok with dealing him for one of those guys.

[Alfie11]

Sounds like the Sens could be trying to include him in a package for a top-flight defenseman. Shattenkirk and Fowler keep coming up. I like Hoffman a whole lot, but I'd definitely be ok with dealing him for one of those guys.

Are the Blues/Ducks really trying to move those defensemen?

[Josh]

I have no idea, I've just heard the names speculated. I can't imagine why they would to be honest.

[Josh]

So I can't find anything on Fowler, but several sources claim the Blues are having talks on moving Shattenkirk. I wonder what Ottawa would need to add to Hoffman to acquire Shattenkirk..?

[Matt the Aussie]

Shattenkirk is in for a big raise and St Louis have already moved Oshie. I feel like the only reason they'd move Shats is if the extension cannot be done cheaply - which isn't a good sign for Ottawa's prospects of keeping him anyway :P

[Josh]

Shattenkirk is in for a big raise and St Louis have already moved Oshie. I feel like the only reason they'd move Shats is if the extension cannot be done cheaply - which isn't a good sign for Ottawa's prospects of keeping him anyway :P

That's a good point, but if we move out multiple players also due for raises in 2 years, then we might be able to mitigate that. Since our roster is heavy on NHL talent we are actually in a good position to do so.

Ottawa will ostensibly take the two-year option on Hoffman's arbitration award, at which point he'll be due for a sizeable raise if he's really worth a damn. Jared Cowen's contract just so happens to be up in two years' time as well. If we could put together a package of Hoffman, Cowen, Prince, and a 1st or 2nd, it could prove to be a very tempting offer for the Blues. They could save some money in the short term and get a worthy return. Ottawa gets a major player upgrade and depending on who replaces Hoffman, doesn't spend much more in the long term.

[matchesmalone]

But then we have two right shooting defensemen committed to big bucks long term, and not much room for Ceci. Shattenkirk would be an awesome addition, but I think a slightly lower-paid left side defenseman would be preferable. Yandle and Fowler might be possible. Minnesota has some cap crunch, maybe we could get Scandella. Tampa Bay too. Coburn or Carle would be a nice addition.

[Josh]

But then we have two right shooting defensemen committed to big bucks long term, and not much room for Ceci. Shattenkirk would be an awesome addition, but I think a slightly lower-paid left side defenseman would be preferable. Yandle and Fowler might be possible. Minnesota has some cap crunch, maybe we could get Scandella. Tampa Bay too. Coburn or Carle would be a nice addition.

Good point - I think the Sens are happy with Ceci and willing to give Wideman every opportunity to play as well. But we really have only three NHL-level RDs (Rutkowski had some AHL time last season, Boyle isn't likely going to do anything, and Summers has a bit of potential but not a ton of upside), and Wideman still doesn't have a body of work in the big leagues to go on. If one of them go down, or if Wideman can't cut it, we're going to be in a bit of trouble and BM's hand could be forced. Still, it does seem like the right side is pretty set.