You think Hofer will get an offer sheet ?

[TheJackBurton]

Here’s my thoughts… I think Hofer is a No. 1 and I believe he wants to be a starter somewhere and will ask for a trade…. So what do you all think his value is?? Do y’all think he is worth a 1st rounder? 2nd rounder?? Top level prospect? The numbers he put up were pretty impressive. Thoughts? Which team needs a goalie?

He can think that all he wants, his numbers (at this point) say otherwise.

I mean his numbers are better than Binnys numbers for the second straight season.

Hofer
2023-2024- 30 games 2.65 .914
2024-2025- 31 games 2.65 .904

Binnington
2023-2024- 57 games 2.84 .913
2024-2025- 56 games 2.69 .900

My mistake his numbers were better than I thought, but there is always a caveat. He generally plays against lesser teams and the first game of back to backs. Not every single time, but the majority, and you can't extrapolate those numbers out for another 20 games because who knows how fatigue would affect him.

If you look at his body of work this year, most games were good, but he had numerous ones allowing the first goal on the first shot, and that is a red flag if you are signing him to be your #1.

Well he can only do what he has the opportunity to do but I'd say in his mind putting up better numbers than Binny means something.

Sure, you can only control what you can control, but the difference between the two seasons is what a save and a goal?

If he believes he's a starter and a team wants to overpay, then let them. You can sign a vet backup to a 1-1.5 million contract, take the picks, and then get Ellis up the following year.

Anything less than 4.5 I'm matching. I doubt it gets that high however.

[STL fan in MN]

Isn't he eligible for arbitration? Can Armey just qualify him and if they cant get a deal let the arbitrator decide? He would get a raise but not over 4 aav.

Hofer or Army would have to file for arbitration. Many players don’t. For example, both Broberg and Holloway didn’t a year ago even though they were eligible to do so.

But yes, if either side files, then you’re correct that he’d then be ineligible for an offer sheet. But it’s pretty rare for the team to file as then the player would get to pick the term (1 or 2 years) and teams don’t like having that dictated to them.

Usually I'd agree but for a backup goalie you think could be a #1, Blues probably don't mind him picking term. He takes one year and we get a better bead on Ellis ability to be next man up and can move on from Hofer potentially. He takes two and Hofer has a chance to show if he can or can't take over for Binner.

My thinking was that the Blues wouldn’t want to give Hofer the ability to walk himself to UFA status…but I just did the math and Hofer has 3 more years of RFA status. So in that case, yeah, the Blues would likely be fine if Hofer chose 2 years instead of 1…but I suspect he’d choose 1.

But to JackBurton’s point, it might sour the relationship if the Blues filed. But then again, I supposed you could say the same if Hofer filed. It’s just business.

In the end, hopefully they can come to an agreement and all of these scenarios are moot.

Fun fact: if Hofer was born 1 month sooner, he’d only be a RFA for 2 more years. His b-day is 7/30/2000. The rule is you have to be 27 before July 1st. So someone born 6/30/2000 will be a UFA on 7/1/27 but Joel will have to wait another year.

[TheJackBurton]

Isn't he eligible for arbitration? Can Armey just qualify him and if they cant get a deal let the arbitrator decide? He would get a raise but not over 4 aav.

Hofer or Army would have to file for arbitration. Many players don’t. For example, both Broberg and Holloway didn’t a year ago even though they were eligible to do so.

But yes, if either side files, then you’re correct that he’d then be ineligible for an offer sheet. But it’s pretty rare for the team to file as then the player would get to pick the term (1 or 2 years) and teams don’t like having that dictated to them.

Usually I'd agree but for a backup goalie you think could be a #1, Blues probably don't mind him picking term. He takes one year and we get a better bead on Ellis ability to be next man up and can move on from Hofer potentially. He takes two and Hofer has a chance to show if he can or can't take over for Binner.

My thinking was that the Blues wouldn’t want to give Hofer the ability to walk himself to UFA status…but I just did the math and Hofer has 3 more years of RFA status. So in that case, yeah, the Blues would likely be fine if Hofer chose 2 years instead of 1…but I suspect he’d choose 1.

But to JackBurton’s point, it might sour the relationship if the Blues filed. But then again, I supposed you could say the same if Hofer filed. It’s just business.

In the end, hopefully they can come to an agreement and all of these scenarios are moot.

Fun fact: if Hofer was born 1 month sooner, he’d only be a RFA for 2 more years. His b-day is 7/30/2000. The rule is you have to be 27 before July 1st. So someone born 6/30/2000 will be a UFA on 7/1/27 but Joel will have to wait another year.

To go OT

The difference is teams don't take arbitration personally because:

1) They see it as doing business that gives a resolution to a dispute and nothing else

2) The player is presenting why they should be paid more and as far as I know don't disparage the teams (maybe they do but again even if they do the team doesn't take personally)

Whereas for the players they take it personal because:

1) The team gives a low ball offer

2) Their entire argument is about how awful the player is and why he should be paid that low ball offer

I get why the player would be offended but here's how I see it; The NHLPA negotiated for arbitration to be a sort of last resort way to resolve contract disputes. If you negotiate that to be one of the methods, then you can't be upset when the team uses the method and uses the method the way it was intended. If the player gets to present himself as one of the 10 greatest players in the history of the game no matter what his numbers actually say, the team gets to present that they've done the math, here's why they came up with that number, and here's why we feel the player is worth that number.

If the players hate arbitration then they need to negotiate a new alternative that doesn't hurt their feelings.

P.S. If i was a player, I'd probably get pretty (upset) as well so I likely would never choose arbitration.

[hockey jedi]

I like Hofer, but I would like to see the Blues use him as a trade chip to Buffalo for Bo Byram. I know it wouldn't be straight up one for one. We'd have to offer more. Buffalo could use a young goaltender that fits in the age of their core and we have Ellis that is ready to make the jump.

Well sure but I don't think Hofer even gets you close on that.

I highlighted the post for you.

[skilles]

I like Hofer, but I would like to see the Blues use him as a trade chip to Buffalo for Bo Byram. I know it wouldn't be straight up one for one. We'd have to offer more. Buffalo could use a young goaltender that fits in the age of their core and we have Ellis that is ready to make the jump.

Well sure but I don't think Hofer even gets you close on that.

I highlighted the post for you.

Right but its not going to be adding a couple pieces to Hofer. If anything Hofer would be an add on to a bigger piece.

[STL fan in MN]

Isn't he eligible for arbitration? Can Armey just qualify him and if they cant get a deal let the arbitrator decide? He would get a raise but not over 4 aav.

Hofer or Army would have to file for arbitration. Many players don’t. For example, both Broberg and Holloway didn’t a year ago even though they were eligible to do so.

But yes, if either side files, then you’re correct that he’d then be ineligible for an offer sheet. But it’s pretty rare for the team to file as then the player would get to pick the term (1 or 2 years) and teams don’t like having that dictated to them.

Usually I'd agree but for a backup goalie you think could be a #1, Blues probably don't mind him picking term. He takes one year and we get a better bead on Ellis ability to be next man up and can move on from Hofer potentially. He takes two and Hofer has a chance to show if he can or can't take over for Binner.

My thinking was that the Blues wouldn’t want to give Hofer the ability to walk himself to UFA status…but I just did the math and Hofer has 3 more years of RFA status. So in that case, yeah, the Blues would likely be fine if Hofer chose 2 years instead of 1…but I suspect he’d choose 1.

But to JackBurton’s point, it might sour the relationship if the Blues filed. But then again, I supposed you could say the same if Hofer filed. It’s just business.

In the end, hopefully they can come to an agreement and all of these scenarios are moot.

Fun fact: if Hofer was born 1 month sooner, he’d only be a RFA for 2 more years. His b-day is 7/30/2000. The rule is you have to be 27 before July 1st. So someone born 6/30/2000 will be a UFA on 7/1/27 but Joel will have to wait another year.

To go OT

The difference is teams don't take arbitration personally because:

1) They see it as doing business that gives a resolution to a dispute and nothing else

2) The player is presenting why they should be paid more and as far as I know don't disparage the teams (maybe they do but again even if they do the team doesn't take personally)

Whereas for the players they take it personal because:

1) The team gives a low ball offer

2) Their entire argument is about how awful the player is and why he should be paid that low ball offer

I get why the player would be offended but here's how I see it; The NHLPA negotiated for arbitration to be a sort of last resort way to resolve contract disputes. If you negotiate that to be one of the methods, then you can't be upset when the team uses the method and uses the method the way it was intended. If the player gets to present himself as one of the 10 greatest players in the history of the game no matter what his numbers actually say, the team gets to present that they've done the math, here's why they came up with that number, and here's why we feel the player is worth that number.

If the players hate arbitration then they need to negotiate a new alternative that doesn't hurt their feelings.

P.S. If i was a player, I'd probably get pretty (upset) off as well so I likely would never choose arbitration.

A lot of players file for arbitration but very few actually go to arbitration. I would guess that both sides absolutely hate the process but what it does is set a deadline. An arbitration hearing will be set for late July/early August so that’s the date both sides know is the deadline. About 90% of the time, the two sides come to a deal before the hearing and the hearing is canceled.

But with the Cap going up I wonder if that’ll make teams consider offer sheets more…and in turn, make players less likely to file for arbitration so that they’re eligible to sign one. Which could then lead to more teams filing…which typically rarely happens. Should be an interesting summer.

[IsDurbanodoingtime]

Armey traded Eddie to Carolina after he filed for arbitration. Didnt seem to take it well. Having said that he didnt seem to hold it against Backes for signing an offer sheet with Vancouver.

[Old_Goat]

The Blues are in an excellent management spot with Hofer regardless the scenario. If an Offer Sheet is too high, then the Blues get good pick(s) as compensation. If the sheet is not too high, then match. And could be a potential trade chip if something really good to fill another need is presented to us.
No rush here, see how it plays out, tough to speculate right now.

[skilles]

Isn't he eligible for arbitration? Can Armey just qualify him and if they cant get a deal let the arbitrator decide? He would get a raise but not over 4 aav.

Hofer or Army would have to file for arbitration. Many players don’t. For example, both Broberg and Holloway didn’t a year ago even though they were eligible to do so.

But yes, if either side files, then you’re correct that he’d then be ineligible for an offer sheet. But it’s pretty rare for the team to file as then the player would get to pick the term (1 or 2 years) and teams don’t like having that dictated to them.

Usually I'd agree but for a backup goalie you think could be a #1, Blues probably don't mind him picking term. He takes one year and we get a better bead on Ellis ability to be next man up and can move on from Hofer potentially. He takes two and Hofer has a chance to show if he can or can't take over for Binner.

My thinking was that the Blues wouldn’t want to give Hofer the ability to walk himself to UFA status…but I just did the math and Hofer has 3 more years of RFA status. So in that case, yeah, the Blues would likely be fine if Hofer chose 2 years instead of 1…but I suspect he’d choose 1.

But to JackBurton’s point, it might sour the relationship if the Blues filed. But then again, I supposed you could say the same if Hofer filed. It’s just business.

In the end, hopefully they can come to an agreement and all of these scenarios are moot.

Fun fact: if Hofer was born 1 month sooner, he’d only be a RFA for 2 more years. His b-day is 7/30/2000. The rule is you have to be 27 before July 1st. So someone born 6/30/2000 will be a UFA on 7/1/27 but Joel will have to wait another year.

To go OT

The difference is teams don't take arbitration personally because:

1) They see it as doing business that gives a resolution to a dispute and nothing else

2) The player is presenting why they should be paid more and as far as I know don't disparage the teams (maybe they do but again even if they do the team doesn't take personally)

Whereas for the players they take it personal because:

1) The team gives a low ball offer

2) Their entire argument is about how awful the player is and why he should be paid that low ball offer

I get why the player would be offended but here's how I see it; The NHLPA negotiated for arbitration to be a sort of last resort way to resolve contract disputes. If you negotiate that to be one of the methods, then you can't be upset when the team uses the method and uses the method the way it was intended. If the player gets to present himself as one of the 10 greatest players in the history of the game no matter what his numbers actually say, the team gets to present that they've done the math, here's why they came up with that number, and here's why we feel the player is worth that number.

If the players hate arbitration then they need to negotiate a new alternative that doesn't hurt their feelings.

P.S. If i was a player, I'd probably get pretty (upset) off as well so I likely would never choose arbitration.

A lot of players file for arbitration but very few actually go to arbitration. I would guess that both sides absolutely hate the process but what it does is set a deadline. An arbitration hearing will be set for late July/early August so that’s the date both sides know is the deadline. About 90% of the time, the two sides come to a deal before the hearing and the hearing is canceled.

But with the Cap going up I wonder if that’ll make teams consider offer sheets more…and in turn, make players less likely to file for arbitration so that they’re eligible to sign one. Which could then lead to more teams filing…which typically rarely happens. Should be an interesting summer.

I think its that rising salary range before significant compensation that will make offer sheets more common. There will be a lot of Broberg situations with that compensation chart.

[STL fan in MN]

Armey traded Eddie to Carolina after he filed for arbitration. Didnt seem to take it well. Having said that he didnt seem to hold it against Backes for signing an offer sheet with Vancouver.

I wouldn’t say Army traded Eddie simply because he filed for arbitration. But that arbitration did seem to get nasty and hurt feelings. I’d say it’s more accurate that Eddie was awarded more than what Army thought he was worth and thus he wasn’t really worth keeping around anymore. That and the hurt feelings may have damaged the relationship too much for him to stay longterm.

[STL fan in MN]

Isn't he eligible for arbitration? Can Armey just qualify him and if they cant get a deal let the arbitrator decide? He would get a raise but not over 4 aav.

Hofer or Army would have to file for arbitration. Many players don’t. For example, both Broberg and Holloway didn’t a year ago even though they were eligible to do so.

But yes, if either side files, then you’re correct that he’d then be ineligible for an offer sheet. But it’s pretty rare for the team to file as then the player would get to pick the term (1 or 2 years) and teams don’t like having that dictated to them.

Usually I'd agree but for a backup goalie you think could be a #1, Blues probably don't mind him picking term. He takes one year and we get a better bead on Ellis ability to be next man up and can move on from Hofer potentially. He takes two and Hofer has a chance to show if he can or can't take over for Binner.

My thinking was that the Blues wouldn’t want to give Hofer the ability to walk himself to UFA status…but I just did the math and Hofer has 3 more years of RFA status. So in that case, yeah, the Blues would likely be fine if Hofer chose 2 years instead of 1…but I suspect he’d choose 1.

But to JackBurton’s point, it might sour the relationship if the Blues filed. But then again, I supposed you could say the same if Hofer filed. It’s just business.

In the end, hopefully they can come to an agreement and all of these scenarios are moot.

Fun fact: if Hofer was born 1 month sooner, he’d only be a RFA for 2 more years. His b-day is 7/30/2000. The rule is you have to be 27 before July 1st. So someone born 6/30/2000 will be a UFA on 7/1/27 but Joel will have to wait another year.

To go OT

The difference is teams don't take arbitration personally because:

1) They see it as doing business that gives a resolution to a dispute and nothing else

2) The player is presenting why they should be paid more and as far as I know don't disparage the teams (maybe they do but again even if they do the team doesn't take personally)

Whereas for the players they take it personal because:

1) The team gives a low ball offer

2) Their entire argument is about how awful the player is and why he should be paid that low ball offer

I get why the player would be offended but here's how I see it; The NHLPA negotiated for arbitration to be a sort of last resort way to resolve contract disputes. If you negotiate that to be one of the methods, then you can't be upset when the team uses the method and uses the method the way it was intended. If the player gets to present himself as one of the 10 greatest players in the history of the game no matter what his numbers actually say, the team gets to present that they've done the math, here's why they came up with that number, and here's why we feel the player is worth that number.

If the players hate arbitration then they need to negotiate a new alternative that doesn't hurt their feelings.

P.S. If i was a player, I'd probably get pretty (upset) off as well so I likely would never choose arbitration.

A lot of players file for arbitration but very few actually go to arbitration. I would guess that both sides absolutely hate the process but what it does is set a deadline. An arbitration hearing will be set for late July/early August so that’s the date both sides know is the deadline. About 90% of the time, the two sides come to a deal before the hearing and the hearing is canceled.

But with the Cap going up I wonder if that’ll make teams consider offer sheets more…and in turn, make players less likely to file for arbitration so that they’re eligible to sign one. Which could then lead to more teams filing…which typically rarely happens. Should be an interesting summer.

I think its that rising salary range before significant compensation that will make offer sheets more common. There will be a lot of Broberg situations with that compensation chart.

I think you’re right. I wouldn’t be surprised if this is something the NHL is negotiating as they hammer out the next CBA.

[skilles]

Isn't he eligible for arbitration? Can Armey just qualify him and if they cant get a deal let the arbitrator decide? He would get a raise but not over 4 aav.

Hofer or Army would have to file for arbitration. Many players don’t. For example, both Broberg and Holloway didn’t a year ago even though they were eligible to do so.

But yes, if either side files, then you’re correct that he’d then be ineligible for an offer sheet. But it’s pretty rare for the team to file as then the player would get to pick the term (1 or 2 years) and teams don’t like having that dictated to them.

Usually I'd agree but for a backup goalie you think could be a #1, Blues probably don't mind him picking term. He takes one year and we get a better bead on Ellis ability to be next man up and can move on from Hofer potentially. He takes two and Hofer has a chance to show if he can or can't take over for Binner.

My thinking was that the Blues wouldn’t want to give Hofer the ability to walk himself to UFA status…but I just did the math and Hofer has 3 more years of RFA status. So in that case, yeah, the Blues would likely be fine if Hofer chose 2 years instead of 1…but I suspect he’d choose 1.

But to JackBurton’s point, it might sour the relationship if the Blues filed. But then again, I supposed you could say the same if Hofer filed. It’s just business.

In the end, hopefully they can come to an agreement and all of these scenarios are moot.

Fun fact: if Hofer was born 1 month sooner, he’d only be a RFA for 2 more years. His b-day is 7/30/2000. The rule is you have to be 27 before July 1st. So someone born 6/30/2000 will be a UFA on 7/1/27 but Joel will have to wait another year.

To go OT

The difference is teams don't take arbitration personally because:

1) They see it as doing business that gives a resolution to a dispute and nothing else

2) The player is presenting why they should be paid more and as far as I know don't disparage the teams (maybe they do but again even if they do the team doesn't take personally)

Whereas for the players they take it personal because:

1) The team gives a low ball offer

2) Their entire argument is about how awful the player is and why he should be paid that low ball offer

I get why the player would be offended but here's how I see it; The NHLPA negotiated for arbitration to be a sort of last resort way to resolve contract disputes. If you negotiate that to be one of the methods, then you can't be upset when the team uses the method and uses the method the way it was intended. If the player gets to present himself as one of the 10 greatest players in the history of the game no matter what his numbers actually say, the team gets to present that they've done the math, here's why they came up with that number, and here's why we feel the player is worth that number.

If the players hate arbitration then they need to negotiate a new alternative that doesn't hurt their feelings.

P.S. If i was a player, I'd probably get pretty (upset) off as well so I likely would never choose arbitration.

A lot of players file for arbitration but very few actually go to arbitration. I would guess that both sides absolutely hate the process but what it does is set a deadline. An arbitration hearing will be set for late July/early August so that’s the date both sides know is the deadline. About 90% of the time, the two sides come to a deal before the hearing and the hearing is canceled.

But with the Cap going up I wonder if that’ll make teams consider offer sheets more…and in turn, make players less likely to file for arbitration so that they’re eligible to sign one. Which could then lead to more teams filing…which typically rarely happens. Should be an interesting summer.

I think its that rising salary range before significant compensation that will make offer sheets more common. There will be a lot of Broberg situations with that compensation chart.

I think you’re right. I wouldn’t be surprised if this is something the NHL is negotiating as they hammer out the next CBA.

I bet so, its a high impact factor for both sides for sure.