Senators’ soap opera ends with trade
Hoffman dealt twice in one day after Karlsson cyberbullying allegations
Following last week’s explosive revelations concerning his partner’s alleged cyberbullying of Ottawa captain Erik Karlsson’s wife, it was hard to envision a scenario where Senators forward Mike Hoffman could remain in the nation’s capital.
The expected script played out with one trade Tuesday before a further twist added to the saga.
Hours after the Senators dealt Hoffman to San Jose in a swap that included four players and two draft picks, the Sharks flipped the 28-year-old to the Florida Panthers.
Ottawa’s Atlantic Division rival sent a 2019 second-round pick and fourth- and fifth-round selections in this week’s draft to the Sharks for Hoffman and a 2018 seventh-round pick.
Earlier, the Senators traded Hoffman, ECHL defenceman Cody Donaghey and a 2020 fifth-round selection to San Jose for winger Mikkel Boedker, AHL blue liner Julius Bergman and a 2020 sixth-round pick.
The moves come after Melinda Karlsson, Erik Karlsson’s wife, filed a peace bond last month alleging that Monika Caryk, Hoffman’s fiancee, posted hundreds of derogatory and harassing online messages aimed at her and her husband.
In the sworn statement, Melinda Karlsson alleged Caryk “uttered numerous statements wishing my unborn child dead.” The Karlssons’ first child, a son named Axel, was stillborn in March.
In an interview with Postmedia Ottawa last week, Caryk and Hoffman both denied they had anything to do with the cyberbullying of Melinda Karlsson.
Panthers general manager and president of hockey operations Dale Tallon said on a conference call with reporters after acquiring Hoffman, who carries a salary cap hit of nearly
US$5.2 million over the next two seasons, that he had looked into the allegations.
“We did our homework and we discussed it with a lot of different people,” Tallon said. “We feel that’s in the past ... we’re very confident he’ll be embraced by our team and by their wives and girlfriends. We have a strong culture down there now.
“Talking with Mike and all the parties, it will work out to our benefit.”
In a statement announcing the trade with San Jose, Senators general manager Pierre Dorion said the move will “strengthen the future of the team by improving chemistry, leadership and character in the locker room and on the ice.”
The news release made no mention of the allegations against Caryk, which Hoffman has denied.
Hoffman had 22 goals and 34 assists for 56 points in a miserable 2017-18 for Ottawa that saw the Senators go from double overtime in Game 7 of Eastern Conference final last spring to 30th overall.
“He’s 28, he can score, he can skate, he’s got a got a cannon for a shot,” Tallon said. “We missed the playoffs by a point.
“We needed to add some speed and skill to our lineup.”
Tallon said he had discussions with Dorion about Hoffman last week, but felt Ottawa’s price, which included a player or players instead of picks, was too high.
“I was contacted (Monday) night by San Jose and asked if I had any interest,” Tallon added. “We looked at the deal and we felt this would be a perfect fit for our team.”
Selected by Ottawa in the fifth round of the 2009 draft, Hoffman thanked the Senators, their fans and the community via his verified Twitter account.
“Words can’t describe how thankful I am for all your support during my 9 years with you,” Hoffman wrote. “You guys let my dream as a kid of making the NHL.”