Sens-Jets deal involving Mike Hoffman likely too complicated

The Winnipeg Jets are looking to bolster their already-impressive roster for a lengthy playoff run and Ottawa Senators winger Mike Hoffman’s name has been bandied about in trade rumours frequently this season.

So, could the Jets and Sens be possible trade partners ahead of the Feb. 26 deadline?

Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman said during the Headlines segment on Hockey Night in Canada Saturday that he thinks the Jets have inquired about the winger.

“It wouldn’t be an easy deal to do,” Friedman said. “He’s got a [modified] no-trade [clause] which does have the Jets on it and I also think the ask from Ottawa would’ve been too high. They will both move on.”

Hoffman has 16 goals and 39 points in 57 games this season and has led the Sens in goals in two of the past three seasons.

The St. Louis Blues are another Western Conference team reportedly interested in Hoffman.

With the Senators tied for the second-fewest points in the Eastern Conference, they’ve already begun to shake up the roster. They traded away Kyle Turris to acquire Matt Duchene in a three-team deal in November and sent Dion Phaneuf to the Los Angeles Kings earlier this week.

[relatedlinks]