Hoffman scored a power-play goal on two shots in Thursday's 3-2 overtime loss to the Blackhawks.

EDGE Analysis

Hoffman gave the Canadiens a 2-1 lead late in the second period, but that was it for their offense. The tally snapped a 13-game goal drought for Hoffman, a stretch that dated back to Halloween due to his absences for an upper-body injury and the COVID-19 protocols. The winger has been unable to give his career a jolt with the Canadiens, as he's at just nine points with 54 shots on net and a minus-14 rating in 21 appearances for one of the league's worst teams.

Hoffman (undisclosed) practiced in a regular jersey Monday, per John Lu of TSN.ca.

EDGE Analysis

Hoffman has been sidelined since Dec. 20, when he was placed in the NHL's COVID-19 protocols. The 32-year-old is expected to play in Wednesday's contest with Boston given his full participation in Monday's practice. Through his last six appearances, Hoffman has averaged 19:18 of ice time, 2:00 during the man advantage and distributed one assist.

Hoffman cleared COVID-19 protocols and practiced in a non-contact jersey Sunday, Arpon Basu of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

It's unclear why Hoffman was in a non-contact jersey, but his presence at practice suggests he'll be in the lineup Wednesday versus Boston. The winger, who has four goals and four assists this season, hasn't played since Dec. 16.

Hoffman was placed on the COVID-19 list Monday.

EDGE Analysis

The Canadiens' games have already been postponed at least through this weekend's holiday break. If Hoffman has shown any symptoms, he'll be out at least through the end of December. The 32-year-old winger has just eight points through 19 games this season.

Hoffman scored a goal on two shots and blocked one shot in Tuesday's 3-2 loss to Tampa Bay.

EDGE Analysis

Hoffman took a direct feed off a faceoff from Nick Suzuki, glided a step to his left and rifled a wrister through traffic past Andrei Vasilevskiy. It was first marker in two games since returning from a nine-game stay on the injured list due to an upper-body injury. With several goal-scoring forwards unavailable -- Christian Dvorak (lower body) left Tuesday's contest, joining Josh Anderson (upper body), Brendan Gallagher (COVID-19) and Tyler Toffoli (upper body) -- Hoffman becomes a primary piece, along with Suzuki, to Montreal's offense.

Hoffman had six shots on goal and four penalty minutes in Saturday's 4-3 overtime loss to the Predators.

EDGE Analysis

Hoffman was activated off injured reserve after missing the previous nine games and led Montreal in shots. He leads the Canadiens with 2.9 shots per game and should provide a lift to the team's slumbering offense and 28th-ranked power play.

Hoffman (upper body) will be activated off injured reserve and return to the lineup for Saturday's matchup with the Predators.

EDGE Analysis

Hoffman is expected to return to a prominent role following his nine-game absence, skating on Montreal's top line and first power-play unit versus Nashville. The 32-year-old winger has picked up seven points through 13 contests this campaign.

Hoffman (upper body) is still at least a week away from playing, Eric Engels of Sportsnet.ca reports.

EDGE Analysis

Given his timeline, Hoffman will miss the Canadiens' three-game road trip at a minimum. Prior to getting hurt, the veteran winger was stuck in a six-game goal drought despite racking up 22 shots over that stretch. In addition to a top-six role, Hoffman should reclaim his spot on the No. 1 power-play unit once ready to play.

Hoffman will be placed on injured reserve Tuesday. The 31-year-old winger will miss at least one week with his upper-body injury.

EDGE Analysis

Hoffman will miss Montreal's next three games at a minimum. Ryan Poehling and Artturi Lehkonen will likely both see increased roles while Hoffman, who's picked up seven points through 13 games this season, is on the shelf.

Hoffman is dealing with an upper-body injury and will not play Sunday against the Bruins.

EDGE Analysis

Hoffman skated 18:04 in Saturday's overtime loss to Detroit, so this injury news comes as a surprise. Nonetheless, the 31-year-old will be held out Sunday and should be considered day-to-day in advance of Tuesday's road game against the Rangers.