Pittsburgh Penguins logo, David Hoffman photo from Hoffman Companies website
In addition to Mario Lemieux and Ron Burkle, Sportsnet is reporting that another buyer has emerged for the Pittsburgh Penguins.
The Hoffman family, based in Chicago and owners of the Florida Everblades of the ECHL, is the new suitor. David Hoffman is the chairman and founder of the Hoffmann Family of Companies.
According to the company’s website, it has numerous divisions, from agriculture to aviation and transportation, to manufacturing and media (largely small newspapers). Hoffman’s son, Geoff, is the co-CEO.
Reporter Elliotte Friedman broke the news via X on Monday afternoon and speculated the sale price to be about $1.75 billion. However, the NHL recently stated expansion fees would be between $1.8 and $2 billion.
The Hoffmans purchased the Everblades from Carolina Hurricanes owners Peter Karmanos in 2019. Everblades won three straight Kelly Cups from 2022-2024. They lost in the semi-finals last season.
The Hoffmans may have a similar problem to Lemieux and Burkle, who were reported to be unable to meet FSG’s asking price. Hoffman is worth an estimated $2 billion, which is close to the estimated purchase price.
It should be noted, the Penguins’ current owner, Fenway Sports Group, has pushed back on recent reports that the team was for sale. In early June, in an email to Penguins staff obtained by Pittsburgh Hockey Now, Penguins Alternate Governor Teddy Werner urged them to ignore media reports because the team was not for sale–instead, FSG has maintained they are looking for a minority investor.
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