Mike Hoffman heads to free agency, Panthers could still be in mix

Mike Hoffman, the Florida Panthers’ top goal scorer over the past two seasons, is going to test free agency when the market opens at noon Friday.

According to Pierre LeBrun of the Athletic and TSN, the Panthers and Hoffman did not come to an agreement so Hoffman is going to see what is out there.

This is not a surprise.

The Panthers have had interest in bringing Hoffman back but want to see what the market will look like whene it opens.

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For Hoffman, he is considered one of the top available free agents — he has scored 65 goals in the past two seasons, after all — and this is his first kick at free agency.

At 31, Hoffman should indeed see what is out there. He is looking for a raise on the $5.2 million he averaged over the past four years and it appears he will get it from someone — perhaps even the Panthers.

No last-minute deal with Florida, Mike Hoffman and his UFA-leading 29 goals this past season heads to the UFA market today. Door isn't closed on the Panthers, but he will hear pitches from teams.

— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) October 9, 2020

As of late Friday morning, the Panthers have also not agreed to terms with Evgenii Dadonov and he will hit the market as well.

Florida could still end up signing either Dadonov or Hoffman (it is doubtful both come back) once the market opens.

Both players are said to be warm to a return to the Panthers and the feeling is mutual.

It’s a business, you know.

So, what teams could have interest in bringing Mike Hoffman and his booming shot to town?

Columbus, Detroit, Montreal, the Islanders, Nashville and Buffalo have been mentioned as potential suitors.