New Jersey Devils: Top 5 Remaining Free Agents
By Nick Villano
Mike Hoffman
Mike Hoffman is a player that has a lot of Devils fans split. Some think he would be a great addition to the offense, but others think he is too old to really contribute. Hoffman can clearly add to the Devils offense, but his defensive deficiencies may be a problem.
Still, he is the highest remaining player from our free agent fits article. Hoffman is still a really good fit for the team on the right deal. The Devils could give him a one-year deal for around $6 million. It gives Hoffman a chance to play on a line with either Nico Hischier, Jack Hughes, or Travis Zajac. All these things would make the Devils a desirable position for Hoffman, who would still try to cash in next season.
The Devils would be getting a player who makes the Devils more desirable to watch on a nightly basis. Scoring brings in crowds, and if New Jersey allows crowds for the games next season, then they’ll need something closer to a winning franchise to bring said crowds.
We’re not sure when Hischier and Hughes are going to break out, but next year is a huge year for both of them. Hughes needs a year where he puts points on the board. Hischier needs to take the next step in his offensive game. Putting out Johnsson, Hoffman, Nikita Gusev, and Kyle Palmieri would absolutely help that.
Plus, if Jesper Bratt or Jesper Boqvist show they deserve a spot in the top six, moving Hoffman down a line wouldn’t hurt his value terribly. This could be a selling point for a short-term deal.