Gagne is the closest but he's more of a complimentary piece. Formenton has no where near the offensive potential and he doesn't play a similar style at all. That's all I was pointing out. There's a lot more character and defensive responsibility in AF's game. Hoffman was an offensive speciliast with one of the best releases in hockey, Formenton will never be that.
What??? Have you watched Formenton play in the last couple months? More specifically since the OHL trade deadline? This guy is taking off and progressing at an insane rate. He was a machine in the playoffs scoring 5G, 2A, 7P in 4 games. He scored those 5 goals in dynamic-offensive fashion as well. He's also got a an absolute rocket of a snap shot and is scoring more and more goals at the top of the circles.
I am assuming you didn't watch any of the WJC Summer Showcase either? He was outstanding and a threat offensively whenever he was on the ice. Not to mention he was used as the trigger man on the power play. With his speed and skill he showed flashes of dominance. Once he gets even stronger and begins to fill out that 6'2 frame, I couldn't even imagine how fast he will be and how much more effective his shot will get.
A top end penalty killer as well. Someone who is reliable in any situation. Hes developed a bit of an edge to his game, he can be a pest. I think he's going to be a coaches dream, top 9 guy that can play any role.
Keep in mind he is still only 18 years old for another month and a half...
1,000,000 x more versatile than Hoffman. The name Hoffman and versatility shouldn't even be used in the same sentence.