Texier and head coach Brad Larsen chatted on the ice near the end of morning skate, and it is fair to say the Jackets are hoping for more offensively from the Frenchman, who scored on the opening shift of the season but has just one shot on goal since then.
"He scored on the first shift there in the first one, but it just hasn't been coming offensively," Larsen said. "It's not a lack of work. … Hopefully on that line with their legs and that tenacity, hopefully he kind of falls into that rhythm in there (of bringing some energy). If he's more engaged, I think he's a much more effective player.
"He's done some great things. The penalty kill, I think he's done some real great things. His energy is good, but 5-on-5, I'd like to see some more."
The move also gives Larsen a chance to look at Hofmann in a more offensive role. The 28-year-old winger from Switzerland was a scorer in Europe, notching 137 points in 134 games over the past three seasons in his home country and notching six goals at last spring's IIHF World Championships to finish one off the scoring lead.
"I think Hofmann is a guy that I want to see what he looks like up with some different guys," Larsen said. "He has some great pace to his game. He has a pedigree of scoring and putting up points, so we'll see."
Columbus will also make two changes to the blue line. Adam Boqvist skated in line rushes today but is dealing with some lingering injury issues, so he will be out along with Scott Harrington; Gabriel Carlsson and Dean Kukan will go into the lineup.
