Reports: FSG evaluating Penguins' suitor options as ‘serious contender’ emerges

The Hoffmann family, owners of the minor league Florida Everblades, have "emerged as a serious contender" to buy the Pittsburgh Penguins, Sportsnet reported Tuesday.

The Penguins are currently owned by Fenway Sports Group, which had been angling to sell a minority stake of the NHL club to "a small, passive partner," according to a statement FSG gave to Front Office Sports in June.

FSG did not change its tone Tuesday.

"Fenway Sports Group continues to evaluate potential equity partners to support the long-term growth of the Pittsburgh Penguins," it said in a statement to Front Office Sports. "While the process remains active, there is nothing to confirm or discuss at this time."

The Hoffmann family has owned the Estero, Fla.-based ECHL team since 2019. Though the family is based in Chicago, David Hoffmann is a resident of Naples, Fla.

David Hoffmann has previously expressed interest in purchasing an NHL or NBA team in an interview with the Naples Daily News. His son Geoff Hoffmann is co-CEO of their family business, the Hoffmann Family of Companies, and would also reportedly be involved in a purchase of the Penguins.

The Penguins have won five Stanley Cups, including three in the Sidney Crosby era (2009, 2016, 2017), and are valued by Forbes at $1.75 billion, ranking 17th in the league.

Penguins icon Mario Lemieux previously expressed interest in regaining a controlling interest in the Penguins after selling his piece in 2021, when FSG acquired the team for $900 million.

--Field Level Media