i feel like Hoffman would rather play for a competing team

Hoffman will want to go to a contender, And Hoffman will get either 1 x $6,000,000 or 1 x $6,500,000 You're a bit low here.

You sure about that? Because every article I've read, including the one by LeBrun this AM, says 5-5.5 is probably the cost for a one year deal. I think Hoffman will go wherever he gets the money because he's already had calls from contenders. Wouldn't want him in NJ anyway, he's a lousy locker room guy and could be toxic to the young core.

Yeah there was an article where he stated that he wanted anywhere from $6,000,000 per to $6,500,000 per. For that offer he can just stay with the Panthers and put up close to his 30 goal season. Maybe he takes less but i'd be shocked if he did. Doesn't look like he's in any hurry to get a deal done. He wants to go where the best fit is for him.

Makes sense, I could see him wanting that. Problem is more and more front offices are using analytical projections to value player contracts. He's a one dimensional player who stinks 5v5. One model has his value on a one year deal at 5.7 million, so splitting the difference between 6 and 5.7 would land him at 5.85.

Once Mercer, Holtz, and Smith come in, this will be a very good team

Flip Gusev and Bratt - Goose better on left. And from what I have read, it sounds like Bastian will be in lineup day one (so maybe switch him and Merkley).