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The belief Wednesday was the Blues may be the most aggressive team in pursuit of Hoffman. It should be noted they showed more than a passing interest before last year’s deadline.

The Toronto Maple Leafs need to deal with unrestricted free agent winger James van Riemsdyk, who is expected to go to market, and the Montreal Canadiens have a decision on captain Max Pacioretty to make because he’s been rumoured to be moved as well.

Depending on those two situations they may show interest in the 28-year-old Hoffman as well but the Senators are going to have to push these talks along to help make this become reality. Minny GM Paul Fenton is tasked with making changes and may be the most active.

Yes, Hoffman, has two years at a cap hit of approximately $5.2 million per-season left on his contract, but it may be in the Senators’ best interests to let any team that wants to acquire him discuss the situation with Hoffman and agent Robert Hooper.

Teams will want to find out exactly what went on and why the situation devolved to the point that these accusations are being made. It certainly sounds like the dressing room was fractured by this last season and teams will want to hear what Hoffman has to say.

Photo by Nils Petter Nilsson/Ombrello / Getty Images

Hooper told this newspaper Tuesday it would be hard for Karlsson and Hoffman to “co-exist” in the same dressing room. No, Hoffman hasn’t asked for a trade, but he knows “the writing is on the wall” and the reality is a move is a forgone conclusion.

If Hoffman wants to help facilitate a move then he has to do his part as well. He has a 10-team “no trade” list as part of his contract but it would make more sense if he gave the Senators carte-blanche to at least speak with all 30 of their opponents to make a move.