I like the idea of the Carolina deal but I doubt an up and coming Hurricanes squad would want his cap hit...especially with Aho in line for a monster contract. Maybe NYR or LA, maybe CLB depending on there off-season. If we can convince him to waive for Ottawa they may take him as we don't actually owe him much cash after we pay his signing bonus.

Hoffman trade is definitely interesting and I feel like it could benefit both sides. That trade wouldn't exactly work with Carolina either, Aho's upcoming contract will throw a wrench in that plan pretty easily. Hopefully Backes likes living in Ottawa, it could very well be his future after this year's Cup run. Contracts are pretty solid and the only thing I'd change on the lines is Krejci and Bergeron.

Hoffman is a rotten egg. Forget the stats / talent; just leave it alone. Do remember Bs trading Dougie Hamilton and Riley Smith for less than market value to get rid of them? (not team first attitudes).
That would be the same problem with Hoffman. Don't do it.
Also, I can't see CAR agreeing to the Backes deal (they have Justin Williams as the elder statesman already and JFK isn't enough to tip the scales), and I would not expect CAR to be a location that would entice Backes to waive his NMC.

Hoffman is a talent and not everyone in the room has to be a leader and a die hard hard. there is enough leadership on this club to take a guy like Hoffman who just wants to play and doesn't go for all the logo cheering. yes id rather have a bunch ofdie hards but not everyone is like that. the lockeroom isn't a worry with this team. Ill agree they didn't love Hamilton but I dont think smith was traded for attitude reasons. he was a good soldier when he was here. They legit wanted hayes instead, thought he fit krejci better. backes wants to play not sit so I think honestly he'd waive for anywhere that he gets a shift.

There is a reason why some players get passed around for less than equal value.
Dougie Hamilton and Riley Smith are two recent examples. Hamilton is playing musical chairs at this point. FLA basically paid Vegas to get rid of Smith.
Hoffman is the most recent example of a talented player who detracts in the locker room.
The problem with all three is that they should have grown out of the me first attitude by now.

florida wanted smiths money gone they had no problewms with the player. they let marcheseault go too and those guys are the core of a team that went to a cup so I wouldn't say florida is doing the right thing