Columbus Blue Jackets forward Pierre-Luc Dubois is expected to be a healthy scratch for Saturday's contest against the Tampa Bay Lightning, The Athletic's Aaron Portzline reports.
Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen has reportedly been trying to find a trade partner for his star player since the end of December after Dubois made it known he would like a change of scenery.
The situation between the two sides took a turn on Thursday when the 22-year-old was benched for the majority of Columbus' game, playing just 3:55 in a 3-2 OT loss vs. the Lightning.
After declining to speak to the media postgame, Dubois took ownership for his benching after practice on Friday. He acknowledged he wasn't playing at his usual high level and that he needed to step up his game.
Dubois has one goal in five games this season. He has 66 goals and 93 assists in 239 career games.
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