Blue Jackets Bench Two Star Players After Tough Night

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James Connelly
November 17, 2023 (7:25)

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The Columbus Blue Jackets have been struggling for the past few weeks and a large part of their struggles is how their star players have been subpar.

Columbus' Slow Start

Heading into the season, the Columbus Blue Jackets were seen as a team that could potentially sneak into the playoffs if things went smoothly. Through the first 17 games of the year, they have been lackluster winning only 4 games and have 12 total points in the standings.

One of the main reasons why they have been losing games is because their star forwards Johnny Gaudreau and Patrik Laine have been rather disappointing. Through 17 games this year, Gaudreau only has six total points and through 8 games Laine only has three points.

Pascal Vincent Benches Gaudreau And Laine

In last night's game against the Arizona Coyotes, head coach Pascal Vincent sent a message to his two star players by benching them for the final part of the third period and keeping them off of the ice during an empty net 6-on-5 situation.

Patrik Laine was benched for the final 9:53 and Johnny Gaudreau was benched for the final 6:15 of tonight's game against #Yotes.

Neither were on the ice at 6 on 5 when #CBJ was down a goal late in the third.

If these two do not turn things around soon, they will likely wind up on the trade block. We will now wait and see if they can turn things around or if this will be what the Blue Jackets deal with for this entire season.