Hoffman set to make Blues debut Friday night in Colorado

Forward Mike Hoffman’s debut with the St. Louis Blues is back on.

Hoffman, who signed a free agent deal with the Blues this week after participating in training camp on a professional tryout contract, was set to debut on the Blues’ second line Wednesday but could not play because of work visa-related issues. His work visa has been approved and he’ll play Friday night at Colorado, GM Doug Armstrong said.

Hoffman is expected to provide instant offense to the Blues after scoring 29 goals — more than any St. Louis player did — for the Florida Panthers last season. He has scored more than 20 goals in six straight seasons and more than 50 points in each of the last five.

Hoffman was replaced in the lineup Wednesday by Sammy Blais, who will miss the next two games on a league suspension for an illegal hit on Colorado’s Devon Toews.