TRADE NEWS: Edmonton Oilers Sign’s 34 Year Old Forward to Professional Tryout.
The Edmonton Oilers made an unexpected move by inviting 34-year-old forward Mike Hoffman to training camp on a professional tryout (PTO). Some initially speculated this decision was tied to the recent surgery of Evander Kane, but trusted sources have confirmed there’s no connection between the two events.
In fact, Hoffman’s PTO may have little to do with him actually joining the Oilers’ roster. Instead, it could be a strategic arrangement between the team and Hoffman’s agent, resembling a “you scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours” scenario.
According to Frank Seravalli of *Daily Faceoff*, the Oilers offered Hoffman the PTO after forward Carl Berglund was injured during the Young Stars Classic in Penticton, B.C. This gives Edmonton the opportunity to keep their camp roster intact, while giving Hoffman a platform to showcase his skills. Even if Hoffman doesn’t secure a spot with the Oilers, a strong preseason performance could attract attention from other teams.
For the Oilers, Hoffman’s presence doesn’t disrupt their roster plans. For Hoffman and his agent, Edmonton is an ideal place for a goal-scorer to prove himself in a short window of time.
Hoffman, a former fifth-round pick in the 2009 NHL Draft by the Ottawa Senators, has accumulated 228 goals and 259 assists over 745 NHL games. However, after a lackluster season with the San Jose Sharks, where he scored just 23 points in 66 games, questions have emerged about whether Hoffman can still contribute at a high level.
Edmonton’s roster is filled with elite offensive talent, creating a favorable environment for a player like Hoffman to thrive. While the Oilers may not be eager to add another veteran to their aging roster—they already rank among the oldest teams in the league—Hoffman could serve as a useful stopgap for injured prospects like Berglund or Roby Jarventie.
Analysts at *Oilers Nation* suggest the PTO could be more of a favor to Hoffman’s agent, potentially paving the way for a return favor in the future. If Hoffman manages to impress and secure a spot on the team, it would be an unexpected but welcome outcome.
