68 Mike Hoffman LW

Panthers' Mike Hoffman: Returned to second line

Hoffman's demotion did not last long as head coach Bob Boughner put the former Senator back with Jonathan Huberdeau and Vincent Trocheck during the middle of the third period against the Canucks on Saturday. Hoffman is off to a slow start, only collecting one assist through three games. After being acquired from San Jose in the offseason, Hoffman was expected to add to a dynamic Panthers top six, but has yet to find his footing with his new teammates.

Panthers' Mike Hoffman: Big season awaits

Hoffman has averaged 59 points a season over the last three years, but has a chance to deliver more in a potent Florida offence. The talented forward could deliver a 30-goal season in 2018-19.

Panthers' Mike Hoffman: Redirected to Florida in trade

Hoffman was only a member of the Sharks for a few hours, as GM Doug Wilson had acquired him in a trade involving a total of four players and two 2020 draft picks early Tuesday morning. Florida failed to stand out in the Atlantic Division this past season, but adding Hoffman should boost the Panthers power play, and it gives the team another proven playmaker to bolster the top-six group. Hoffman, who has accumulated 230 points (107 goals, 123 assists) over 342 career games -- all with Ottawa -- will be an unrestricted free agent after the 2019-20 season.

Sharks' Mike Hoffman: Shipped off to California

Trading away Hoffman was inevitable in light of allegations that his fiance was harassing Erik Karlsson and his wife on social media. This was evident in Ottawa general manager Pierre Dorion's statement. "Today's trade showcases our determination to strengthen the future of the team by improving chemistry, leadership and character in the locker room and on the ice." The winger has vehemently denied any wrongdoing, but the damage has already been done. For the Sharks, they get a player who has scored 20-plus goals in four straight seasons and has topped the 50-point mark in three consecutive years for a relatively low cost in Boedker and Bergman.

Senators' Mike Hoffman: Fiancee has allegations of harassment of teammate's wife

For his part, Hoffman has denied the claim that Caryk has posted derogatory comments against both Erik and Melinda Karlsson, condemning cyberbullying and saying that it's "150 percent not (them)" who are behind the attacks. On the other side of the coin, Julie Turris, the wife of ex-Senators teammate Kyle Turris, has claimed that things crossed the line from cyberbullying to "something entirely different in April". Whatever the truth is, there is no evidence of friction between the two players, but this can't be good for the Senators' chances of retaining both Karlsson and Hoffman. Both players are on the trade block, and this makes it more likely that at least one will be dealt during the offseason.