Should the San Jose Sharks look to extend Mike Hoffman's contract this summer?

There has been very little to enjoy this season for the Sharks fans among us. Less than 40 points with eleven games to go is among the worst totals ever amassed in an 82-game season. This Sharks season has been historically bad. It's been painful to be a fan of this organization this year. But we're closing in on the end, which will show that the Sharks have to make decisions on the personnel they have on their roster. Some of this roster will not be back.

One player I want to focus on, particularly in this case, is Mike Hoffman. Knowing that the goal scorer is in the twilight of his career, Hoffman has had a bad season. With just ten goals and 12 assists for 22 points in 61 games, Hoffman had a mammoth dry spell after November and couldn't find twine again for a while. Now, he's dealing with a concussion and is out of the lineup dealing with his health issues.

With the former 30-goal scorer about to see his contract expire in the summer, should the Sharks be looking to extend the veteran? Hoffman could be the kind of guy to take some of the younger players aside and teach them some of the tricks of the trade for a man who has seen a lot of success in his career. Knowing that he can provide some solid leadership to a team that will likely be without it due to Logan Couture's injury concerns.

If this is a one-year deal, the Sharks could ship him out at the deadline to allow him to play for a Stanley Cup contender if the forward could show that he had things to offer a contender that could use his talents. It would not only allow the Sharks to grab assets for pieces they would otherwise lose for nothing, but it would get them a veteran to guide this young roster, and it could be cheap.

The flip side of this is that you know he's taking up a roster spot. There will probably be younger players coming through the farm system who want to restore this great franchise to what it once was, and they will be better served with the extra playing time. We know the Sharks will endure another problematic season next year when the rebuild continues. It would give the Sharks fanbase a trade to look forward to at the deadline, in the manner of Anthony Duclair this season.

There are arguments for and against this. If the Sharks want veterans to fill out the lineup, someone like Hoffman might be a good fit on the top powerplay with his shot. This year was challenging for him, but he also had to adjust to a new city with a new team and situation. Perhaps a fresh start next season would do him good. Whether that comes with a change of scenery or not is now up to the organizaion.