Senators GM Pierre Dorion’s presence in Edmonton earlier this week sparked plenty of speculation of trade talk for the offseason. One name that has come up quickly is Ottawa winger Mike Hoffman who could potentially be a fit alongside top center Connor McDavid. However, Postmedia’s Jim Matheson reports that indications are that the Sens aren’t overly enthusiastic about the idea of moving him now as he continues to develop chemistry alongside Matt Duchene. At one point earlier this season, Ottawa appeared to be willing to move Hoffman but Matheson notes that they turned down several offers for him before last month’s trade deadline.
More from around the league:
- While Sharks winger Joonas Donskoi is set to miss tonight’s game with what appears to be a shoulder injury, head coach Peter DeBoer told Paul Gackle of the Bay Area News Group that the issue isn’t expected to keep him out long-term. The 25-year-old has been rather productive as of late with six points in his last seven games so his absence will be notable as San Jose looks to hold onto a playoff position in the tight Western Conference. Winger Jannik Hansen is expected to take Donskoi’s spot in the lineup.
- Stars winger Brett Ritchie has been listed as out day-to-day with a lower-body injury, relays Sean Shapiro of The Athletic (Twitter link). The 24-year-old actually played a season-high 16:47 in his last game on Wednesday against Toronto. Ritchie has been relatively quiet offensively this year with just 13 points in 62 games but he leads all Dallas forwards in hits with 159. Forward Gemel Smith is expected to take his place in the lineup.