Mike Hoffman ineligible to play in Blues’ season opener due to visa issues

Blues forward Mike Hoffman won’t be able to play in the Blues’ regular-season opener.

The club announced shortly before Wednesday night’s game against the Colorado Avalanche that Hoffman is ineligible to play due to work visa issues. Hoffman, who signed a one-year, $4 million deal with the Blues on Monday after participating in training camp under a professional tryout agreement, is a native of Kitchener, Ontario. The Blues said Wednesday night that they expect Hoffman to be cleared in time for Friday’s game against Colorado.

Hoffman is expected to give the Blues’ lineup a major offensive boost whenever his visa is approved, as he has scored at least 20 goals and recorded at least 50 points in six straight seasons. His 29 goals in 2019-20 were the most of any player on the free-agent market this offseason.