Blue Jackets' Johnson Scratch Sparks Trade Fears

0:00This is Corey with NHL News Today, powered by the Daily News Now. Subscribe for daily updates on your team. The Columbus Blue Jackets are chasing the Eastern Conference's second wildcard spot, sitting five points behind the Boston Bruins. A win against the New York Rangers could cut that gap to three points. With playoffs in sight, the team desperately needs more scoring punch. Ken Johnson, their 23-year-old former fifth overall pick from 2021, has been a healthy scratch the last couple of games. He's appeared in 56 games this season, with just six goals and 12 assists. That's a draw from last year, when he posted 24 goals and 33 assists over 68 games. This echoes what happened with forward Igor Chinakov. He struggled, got demoted to the fourth line, and then scratched, before being traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins. There, Chinakov has turned things around and is producing well. Instead of Johnson, the Blue Jackets are dressing veteran Danson Hainan, who hasn't offered much offense lately.

1:01Coach Rick Bound has faced pressure to rethink this, especially with the top six talent like Johnson on the bench. Fans and analysts, worry, continue scratches could push Johnson toward a trade, like Chinakov. As the playoff race heats up, getting the young scorer back in could make all the difference. The Daily News Now is made possible with support from our sponsor. If earbuds fall out when you sleep, this is for you. A pillow with built-in sound, S-O-L-L-I, solelypillow.com.