BLADEOFSTEEL | NHL TEAM | COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS

Columbus Blue Jackets Make one of the Team's Top Stars a Healthy Scratch

There's not really any nice way of putting it; the Columbus Blue Jackets are a dumpster fire so far this season, and it looks like things are getting even worse.

Patrik Laine, who is currently making $9 million a season, will sit in the press box as a healthy scratch tonight when his team takes on the Philadelphia Flyers. Since returning from injury, Laine has played 9 games, and has just 2 goals and 3 points.

"He's not happy about the decision, don't get me wrong. But right now I think Patty needs to take a deep breath, go back to the working lab and get his touches back, get his shot back, get his confidence back so he can be the No. 29 Patrik Laine we all know he can be." - Blue Jackets head coach Pascal Vincent

The Blue Jackets are a dismal 4-10-4 on the season going into tonight's game, and it isn't just Laine who is underperforming. Johnny Gaudreau, who makes $9.75 million per season, has just 2 goals and 7 points in 18 games. Not even close to good enough.

Laine started the season at centre, something both he and team felt would improve his game and perhaps make the team better overall. It didn't work. Very little seems to be working for Columbus this season.

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POLL
19 NOVEMBRE \| 47 ANSWERS Columbus Blue Jackets Make one of the Team's Top Stars a Healthy Scratch Is Columbus making the right move here?
Have to do something	17	36.2 %
No, it will backfire	24	51.1 %
I'm not sure	6	12.8 %
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