The Sharks took full advantage of Hoffman's diminishing trade value (due to a scandal involving Hoffman's fiancee and Senators captain Erik Karlsson's wife via social media) to land him on the cheap. He is an upgrade over Boedker in terms of goal-scoring ability, and owns similar speed. San Jose also got an upgrade in draft picks for 2020, moving from a sixth to a fifth rounder. Donaghey is a marginal prospect.

The Senators are a mess these days, so any positive taken from any moves made right now is welcomed. Ottawa does save $1.875 million on the salary cap for the next two seasons by moving out Hoffman and bringing in Boedker, who could be a better two-way player under coach Guy Boucher than Hoffman was. Bergman is a better NHL prospect than Donaghey, and he is probably closer to making the NHL.

Hoffman's fantasy stock should rise significantly moving to San Jose, and he is a virtual lock to play a top-six winger role with his new team. Boedker's value stays unchanged moving from the Sharks to the Senators, since he may play a bigger role on a lesser squad. Bergman's value improves too, as he may have an easier time reaching the big league with Ottawa's organization. Donaghey has no value at present time.