The 2009 NHL Entry Draft brought the Ottawa Senators a diamond in the rough. Mike Hoffman, their pick in the fifth round, 130th overall, harvested a prospect that has been a huge part of the success they've experienced. 

Missing some pieces and being a budget team hasn't done Ottawa many favors. Trading away captain Jason Spezza to the Dallas Stars at the beginning of the 2013-14 season signaled a down time in Ottawa. A time to rebuild, recoup, collect draft picks and try to be one of the more dominant Canadian teams again. Players by the name of Andrew Hammond, Mark Stone, Cody Ceci, Mika Zibanejad and Hoffman had other plans. All coming through the system and becoming a force within the Senators organization. 

Hoffman's Breakthrough

Mike has collected 90 points in 150 total NHL games played. He never collected a single point until the 2013-14 season when he picked up six points in 25 games. That same year in the AHL he notched 67 points in 51 games, showing Sens' GM Bryan Murray that he has the talent and skill level to crack the roster. He did that the very next season when he had a break out year. The 2014-15 campaign had him put up 48 points in 79 games at the NHL level and had him in the conversation for rookie of the year. He finished fifth on the Senators for scoring ahead of guys like Zibanejad, Milan Michalek, and Alex Chaisson.

Coming through various leagues on the way to the NHL such as the OHL, QMJHL, AHL, and the ECHL. Hoffman has proved his talents at every level and continues to make strides this year on the biggest stage of them all. Helping take his team to the playoffs last season he is looking to do more of the same this year.

Currently sitting third on the team on points behind only Erik Karlsson and Bobby Ryan who each are paid significantly more than his mere $2 million per year. Awarded the two million salary after going through arbitration in the summer asking for $3.4 million. He leads the team with 20 goals so far.

Leading the NHL's 14th ranked power play, Hoffman has six goals with the man advantage and also has tallied three game winners. His 37 points in 43 games is a 0.86 point per game pace. He has proven to be one of the most powerful scorers on the Sens' roster and continues to be a dominant player on the score sheet. On pace for 70 points, he is looking to set career highs in every category and in just his second full NHL season he looks to be right at home. Settled in on the second line averaging 17:57 of ice time, good for third most on the team.

With the injury scare over, and Hoffman back on the ice, he should start right where he left off. At 26 years of age, he's just entering his prime. His quick release and accurate wrist shot have proven effective and hard to stop. He positions it so well coming down the wing and can find those holes in high traffic areas. He can beat you so many different ways and with any shot in his repertoire. His great speed always seems to get him open and in those high scoring areas.

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