Hoffman not sure what NHL future holds
Mike Hoffman isn’t sure what’s next.
While the 28-year-old winger has enjoyed his time with the Ottawa Senators and says he would like to remain, he has heard the talk that he could be dealt before next week’s NHL draft in Dallas and is prepared for that possibility.
Speaking in an interview with his fiancée, Monika Caryk, from the couple’s home in Kitchener on Friday, Hoffman said he couldn’t control what might happen.
“That’s a decision the Senators will have to make,” Hoffman said. “I’ve loved my time in Ottawa. I’ve always had an appreciation for the city and the fans. Everybody has always been great to me.
“I have nothing but praise to say about everything that comes along with playing in Ottawa. I’ve really enjoyed everything there. I’ve had some great relationships, and I’m friends with a lot of people there. It’s a shame what has happened here.”
Would they be better off with a fresh start following the allegations of cyberbullying made against Caryk by Melinda Karlsson, wife of Senators captain Erik Karlsson?
“We’re players. This is a business,” Hoffman said. “Whatever team you’re with, it’s your job to perform, and Monika is my partner. Wherever I go, she’ll be coming with me, and that’s pretty much all you can do.
“Whatever team you play for, you go out there and do what you can. The organization takes care of the rest.”
Caryk said she was ready to move on if that was the case.
“Wherever Mike is, that’s home for me. I’ll support him 150 per cent,” she said.
Hoffman added he was sorry the Senators’ fan base had to deal with the latest controversy.
“We realize that, for the players involved in this situation, it’s not easy. At the end of the day, it’s going to get solved.
“We wanted to thank people for their support throughout of this.”
Caryk added: “I just hope this all goes away as soon as possible.”