New Jersey Devils: Ranking 10 Best Free Agent Fits

4. Mike Hoffman

It might seem strange that Mike Hoffman is so much higher than Dadonov since they are similar players in their prime, but Hoffman seems like a much better fit overall for the Devils for multiple reasons. The obvious one is age. Hoffman is just a year younger, but that matters when considering a long-term deal.

Hoffman was one of the only players who showed up for the Panthers in the playoffs. He had five points in four games including three goals. Hoffman has always been the more consistent of the two forwards this season, Hoffman never had less than eight points in a month. Dadonov scored nine goals in January, then had two in the next 20 games to end the regular season. Hoffman never went more than seven without a goal.

Hoffman can go on some nice streaks himself. In February, he scored goals in nine of 16 games. The Devils have dealt with streaky scorers before. It’s time to get someone who can get the puck in the net consistently.

The question of cost is a legitimate one. Will Hoffman ask for more than a marginal raise? He’s making a little more than $5.1 million in the past four seasons. Is he going to ask for $7 million per season? To go from a no-tax state like Florida to a tax riddled state like New Jersey, another $2 million doesn’t go as far.

The fit is great for the Devils, so if they can get Hoffman to agree to a deal at around $6.5 million, it would be for the best.