A Naples-based businessman is set to become the next owner of one of the NHL’s most iconic franchises.

David Hoffmann, founder of the Hoffmann Family of Companies, is expected to purchase the Pittsburgh Penguins in a deal valued at $1.7 billion, according to multiple national reports. The sale is still pending final approval from the NHL.

While the Penguins play more than 1,000 miles away, the deal has strong Southwest Florida ties. Hoffmann already owns the Florida Everblades and Hertz Arena in Estero, giving him an established presence in professional hockey.

The Penguins have been owned by Fenway Sports Group since 2021, a period that drew mixed reactions from fans in Pittsburgh. Some supporters felt the non-local ownership never fully connected with the city or its fanbase.

“You’re talking about one of the marquee U.S. NHL franchises,” said Jason

Mackey, a Penguins reporter. “There’s a lot that would attract him to that.”

Pittsburgh sports reporter Noah Hiles of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette says many fans are optimistic about the change, especially as the team navigates a transition on the ice.

“I don’t feel like they ever really meshed with the city and its sports fans,” Hiles said of the previous ownership group. “So some new perspective might do well.”

Fans say the biggest factor moving forward will be winning. Pittsburgh native Emily Kane, who now lives in Southwest Florida, says success on the ice will ultimately determine how the new ownership is received.

“I feel like we haven’t been doing well as of late, so hopefully new leadership brings more wins,” Kane said. “Wins talk.”

Hiles agrees, noting that results will outweigh any concerns about geography.

“At the end of the day, winning is everything,” he said. “If more resources are put into the team and fans feel ownership is doing everything possible to contend, there won’t be many complaints.”

The Hoffmann family provided this statement:

Hoffmann Family of Companies Members and Supporters,

We wanted to bring you behind the scenes of the rumors swirling…again.

As you may have seen, there’s been another flurry of rumors and speculation in the media regarding the potential acquisition involving the Pittsburgh Penguins. We remain in a tough position of not being able to confirm any specific reports…yet.

As always, we are laser-focused on strategic growth, long-term partnerships, and opportunities that align with our values and vision. We’re grateful for your continued support and trust as we explore all possibilities that lay before us.

It’s an understatement to say that our family loves hockey, and we look forward to sharing more updates soon.

Once the deal is finalized, more details are expected to emerge about the direction of the franchise and what this move could mean for professional hockey in Southwest Florida.