According to the Blue Jackets press release, Hofmann was "given permission to step away for personal reasons and informed us today that because of those reasons he has decided not to return." Hofmann's suspension should allow Yegor Chinakhov and Emil Bemstrom to continue to get regular playing time.
Hofmann played in six straight games, posting just one assist. Yegor Chinakhov will replace him in the lineup.
Hofmann had played in four straight games, scoring one goal with two assists in the first two. However, he was a minus-3 on Saturday and will be replaced by Justin Danforth in the lineup on Tuesday.
Hofmann was a healthy scratch in Vegas on Saturday but is expected to replace Justin Danforth in the lineup on Monday. Hofmann, who will skate on the fourth line, has one goal and two assists (three points) in 14 games this season.
Hofmann will sit out Saturday's game in Vegas with Max Domi returning from the COVID-19 protocol list.
