After Mike Hoffman signed his first contract with substantial term last offseason, it's taken him a little time to get his hands back.

Through the first month-and-a-half of the season - and after signing a blockbuster contract - it looked like the Ottawa Senators forward might be falling victim to the first-year curse that's plagued countless players following big paydays. As an example, look no further than Jakub Voracek.

After a career season when he punched in 22 goals and 81 points in 2014-15, Voracek followed it up with just 11 goals and 55 points after signing an eight-year, $66-million extension. Luckily, Voracek appears to have found his footing with 23 points in 27 games this season.

As for Hoffman, his contract isn't nearly as lucrative, but - coming off back-to-back one-year contracts - a four-year, $20.75-million deal likely felt like the world to him. That contract, however, may have added extra weight onto his shoulders.

The 27-year-old struggled out of the gate, managing just three goals and seven points through the first 16 games, surely not what the Senators envisioned.

However, whether it's puck luck or something else, Hoffman is back and firing on all cylinders, going off for six goals and 12 points in the past eight games.

In fact, Hoffman is in the midst of a five-game point streak (with eight points), including his first career hat trick against the Sabres.

Hoffman sits second in team scoring behind Erik Karlsson, but has been the offensive dynamo the club needs. He paces the Senators with five power-play goals and nine power-play points, while also firing far and away the most shots of any player on the team.

The Senators could certainly use some offensive help, but in the meantime they'll take a red-hot Hoffman.

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