RFA vs UFA
This Off-season, signs point as though Mike Hoffman will be an RFA. Unless hoffman plays less than 74 games, RFA status is held for the Senators. The Sens have a few decisions ahead when it comes to signing Mike Hoffman, and whether they go long-term or play it safe with a 1-year deal.
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Ottawa could play it simple and give him a 1-year deal this time around. It makes the most sense for Ottawa as they hold Hoffman’s RFA status until 2016, and give him another year to prove himself for a long-term deal.
Under the NHL’s 7-or-27 rule, Hoffman will remain an RFA until the age of 27 or 7 years of NHL service with an expiring deal.
But let’s say Ottawa wants to risk it a little, spend a little now and save a bit for the future. That’s where the idea of a years:dollars ratio makes sense.
Years:Dollars Ratio
When it comes to evaluating Hoffman’s contract, Ottawa needs to keep a few things in mind. They want to get Hoffman on as long of a deal as possible, with the most security in terms of dollar amount possible. Perhaps Ottawa wants beyond a “bridge contract”, but not necessarily long term.
Perhaps Ottawa wants beyond a “bridge contract”
So, let’s use around 3.3 million as a starting figure on a 1-year deal for Hoffman. This modeled after a deal signed by Michael Frolik as a 25-year-old RFA.
If I’m Ottawa 3-4 years is right in the range of a deal in which I’d be comfortable in keeping Hoffman around for a few years, and not breaking the bank.
To break it down on a table, here’s where I would see potential terms/dollars falling for Mike Hoffman in a potential contract.
Just a rough little guide that seems to make sense to me. Let’s remember, 30 goal scorers get paid fair over 5 million dollars a season. Hoffman is projected to score 29 this season, and if this had been something he had done in previous years.. he may be looking at 5 million ++.
Hoffman isn’t the only RFA player the Sens have this season. Mika Zibanejad, Alex Chiasson, and Mark Stone are all due for “Bridge deals” as they should retain their RFA status past this season.. unlike Hoffman.
Oct 27, 2014; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Montreal Canadiens right wing
Brendan Gallagher(11) against the Edmonton Oilers at Rexall Place. Mandatory Credit: Chris LaFrance-USA TODAY Sports
Comparable RFA Deals
Brendan Gallagher signed a 6-year, $22.5 million contract with an AAV of 3.75. Gallagher is a different style player, but it could be argued that Hoffman and Gallagher have similar impacts to their respective teams.
Nick Bjugstad signed a 6-year, $24.6 million contract with an AAV of 4.1. Bjugstad is much younger than Hoffman and a different style player, but after a 38 point season was rewarded with a 4.1 million dollar deal.
Nazem Kadri signed a 2-year, $2.9 million AAV contract. A good example of a shorter term deal, yet Hoffman may look for more based on his age.
As of January 1st, 2015 the Senators can begin to negotiate a new contract with Hoffman. In an off-season where that should be at the top of Ottawa’s to-do list.