Montreal Canadiens: Five Worst Free Agent Signings In Habs History

Mike Hoffman

The Montreal Canadiens dipped into the free agent market last offseason following their run to the Stanley Cup final. They signed Mike Hoffman to a three year contract with an annual cap hit of $4.5 million.

It was unclear what kind of a role Hoffman would ever play at even strength, but he was supposed to help the team’s mostly anemic power play. With Tyler Toffoli, Cole Caufield, Brendan Gallagher, Josh Anderson, Joel Armia, Artturi Lehkonen, and Paul Byron already taking roles on the wings, it was hard to envision a spot for Hoffman above the fourth line.

He scored 17 goals and 36 points in 52 games for the St. Louis Blues last season, and was 31 years old. Expecting him to return to his 70 point self seemed unlikely, but he seemed like a decent middle six scorer if he found the right role.

Then he got hurt before the season started and missed most of training camp. He ended the season with 15 goals and 35 points in 67 games. He had four of those goals and 13 points on the power play. Not exactly the power play specialist we expected.

He is going to turn 33 early in the coming season and barely had half of a point per game last season. His offence is his calling card as he lacks in the defensive department. There are two years left on his contract at $4.5 million and it looks unlikely the Habs are going to get much value out of that deal.