The Latest On Mike Hoffman and Erik Karlsson …
Ken Campbell of The Hockey News suggests that Pierre Dorion will want to put out this tire fire quickly.
The Ottawa Senators have tried to trade Hoffman a few times and Karlsson on at least one occasion. Here lies a general manager in an unenviable position on multiple fronts. He cannot obtain maximum value or close for his two trade chips. With an organization in tatters inside and out, Dorion has to do the best he can and hope to rebuild.
Don Brennan of The Ottawa Sun chimes in on the Karlsson/Hoffman fracas. This simple quote of wisdom applies.
“Organizational standards are set at the top. Everyone takes their cues from that.”
In other words, the Senators are screwed.”
Dorion is truly caught between a rock and a hard place. He is likely fired if Ottawa finishes dead last or near it in 2018-19. However, any chance of a quick retool is now gone. If rival GM’s did not have an inkling of the situation, he loses any leverage in making a deal. Karlsson would fetch even less, and Hoffman, well that’s a whole new story. It seems likely Ottawa will keep the fourth pick.
What could the pair net in a trade?
Michael Traikos of the Ottawa Citizen: Again, Ottawa has the No. 4 and No. 22 picks in the first-round. They could still end up with a bevy of picks if and when the Senators trade Erik Karlsson. As for Mike Hoffman, speculation is up in the air but maybe the New York Rangers are still interested. It probably will involve the latter first-round pick.
As for Karlsson, Vegas seems like the front-runner still.
With Filip Zadina or Brady Tkachuk NHL ready, Ottawa could net a few prospects, maybe a pick, and a player. They have options but as of now, other teams have kept mostly quiet.
More on Mike Hoffman…
Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Citizen points out that Hoffman’s future is uncertain at best.
“That’a decision the Senators will have to make,” Hoffman said. “I’ve loved my time in Ottawa. I’ve always had a appreciation for the city and the fans. Everybody has always been great to me.
“I have nothing but praise to say about everything that comes along with playing in Ottawa. I’ve really enjoyed everything there. I’ve had some great relationships, and I’m friends with a lot of people there. It’s a shame what has happened here.”
Also, Hoffman and fiancee Monika Caryk have denied the allegations against Caryk. It is clear that Caryk, despite the allegations, has Hoffman’s unconditional support. The one thing that is clear is everyone involved wants a quick ending to this.
Caryk added: “I just hope this all goes away as soon as possible.”
This says it all. Someone will get to the bottom of it all and hopefully fast for everyone’s sake.
Does Ottawa buyout Marian Gaborik? …
Ken Warren of the Ottawa Sun: Marian Gaborik remains a popular buyout candidate. Ottawa has until June 30th to decide. He would receive a $7.2 million parting gift (or $1.2 million per year the nest six seasons).
The only question is this. Is Gaborik healthy? If he is, then Gaborik can be bought out. It is that simple, honestly.
Gaborik tallied seven points in 16 games but is well on the other side of 30 with three years remaining on his deal.