Coach Ducharme provides update on Mike Hoffman after it was revealed he'll miss training camp

Many were surprised early Thursday when it was announced that sniper Mike Hoffman, who the Montreal Canadiens signed to a three-year contract over the summer, would likely miss all of training camp. All that was said at the time was that Hoffman was dealing with a lower-body injury. Habs head coach Dominique Ducharme has provided an update, and it seems it could be worse than just missing training camp.

Ducharme told reporters that Hoffman, who has scored 20 or more goals six times in his career, got hurt skating just before arriving in Montreal. He failed his training camp physical and, according to Ducharme, may miss the start of the season as well.

"Dominique Ducharme says Mike Hoffman got hurt during one his last skates at home before coming to Montreal. Thought he was ok, jumped on the ice and it got worse. Went for an MRI and it's possible he misses the start of the season.]," said Sportsnet's Arpon Basu,




This is certainly a setback for Montreal. Hoffman was added to the lineup to bring some much needed offense to the team. Missing training camp, and possibly the start of the season, means Hoffman will have to get accustomed to his new teammates on the fly. Certainly not ideal, but there's no other option.

Montreal forward Paul Byron will also miss training camp, as was expected. He is out until around January with a hip injury. Goaltender Carey Price will also miss camp after undergoing knee surgery, but is expected to be ready for the start of the season.