After hours of speculation about opening up roster spots for potential trades, the Ottawa Senators disappointed (at least for the moment) many fans who anticipated a big trade by recalling forward Mike Hoffman from the AHL Binghamton Senators.
December 23, 2011; Raleigh, NC, USA; Ottawa Senators center Mike Hoffman (68) against the Carolina Hurricanes at the RBC center. The Hurricanes defeated the Senators 2-1 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
Hoffman just returned from injury last weekend that had kept him out of the B-Sens lineup since January 26th. In his three games since returning, he recorded a goal and 3 assists.
He will get his chance to contribute some offense in a way that Mark Stone could not. Hoffman has 1 NHL game to his credit, just before Christmas 2011 against the Carolina Hurricanes.
While there is still a roster spot open due to the demotion of Dave Dziurzynski and the waiving of Kaspars Daugavins, the promotion of Hoffman is an underwhelming (at least for the moment) move to those (including myself) who anticipated a blockbuster trade to be announced in the next day or so.
However, if all goes well, Hoffman could quickly quiet those disappointed at the moment by becoming the 7th Senators player to score his first NHL goal this season.