Can Ottawa fans talk about Hoffman historically (pre-Boucher)? How are his zone entries? Does he prefer to carry the puck through the zone? How does he work in a fast transition system? Does he work well hitting the blue line with speed? Can he be effective down low for dump-ins? Does he create lots of turnovers on defense? Where is he best suited on the power play? Can he drive his own line? Can he play RW and does he prefer it? Where does he score most of his goals - top three spots would be appreciated. Can he get to the front of the net and finish? How is his backhand?
-Gaining the zone is one his strengths, his speed and hands allow him to back up defenders and carry the puck into the zone.
-He should be good in a fast transition system, but is guilty of getting too far ahead of he play at times.
-He does work well hitting the blue line, its one of the few times he is willing to use his speed.
-He is not effective pursuing dump ins.
-He can be quite good at forcing turnovers, when he wants to be.
-His spot on the PP is the top of the right circle, he's proven pretty effective from the left circle too.
-He's been spending a lot go time playing alongside Pageau and Pyatt these past couple of seasons and he is the driver of that line. I personally think you would get the most out of him playing a complimentary role alongside other skilled players but at the same time he's more noticeable individually when he is the driver of the line. If that makes any sens.
-If he is playing RW he will need to be insulated by a very responsible C. He is definitely best suited on the left side.
- Top of the circles on either side is probably where he scores most of his goals, he has no problem beating a goalie from distance. Not really one to go to the net , but when he happens to get there he is still a good finisher. His backhand is average i guess, not something he uses very often.
Hoffman is a very skilled player, I'd even say he has an elite skillset but his game is just good. He could easily be a star in this league if he made the commitment on the ice but he hasn't yet. Far too often he will bail on a play because he may get bumped, or may have to bump a player. Maybe a trade or the right coach would get the most out of him but the player I've seen his guilty of not giving it his all way too often.