Gaudreau scored a goal on four shots in the Blue Jackets' 4-3 loss to the Capitals on Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

Gaudreau opened the scoring Saturday, blasting a slap shot past Charlie Lindgren in the slot. This was his first goal in eight games as the American forward tries to snap out of a funk with just three points in nine games in November. After posting 21 goals and 74 points in his first season as a Blue Jacket, this goal could be the spark that gets the former Flame back on track. Gaudreau should continue to play on the second line and top power-play unit.

Gaudreau was benched for the final 16 minutes of the third period in Saturday's loss to the Capitals, Aaron Portzline of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

"We know Johnny can make a difference when he's skating and when he's involved, and tonight I felt he wasn't there," coach Pascal Vincent said after the game. "We're going to play the guys who are playing. It doesn't matter who you are. It's about the Blue Jackets, and I didn't like his game." Gaudreau had scored his first goal of the season just one game before, but he made little impact Saturday in a 2-1 loss, failing to record a shot on goal with a minus-1 rating in 11:55 of ice time. The 30-year-old did miss practice Friday to attend to a personal matter, and it's not clear if off-ice concerns may have affected his focus and compete level Saturday -- nor if Vincent intends to send a further message to his team's highest-paid player by making Gaudreau a healthy scratch Monday against the Panthers.

Gaudreau scored an empty-net goal in Thursday's 4-2 win over the Lightning.

EDGE Analysis

It wasn't the most skillful tally, but Gaudreau finally ended the longest season-opening goal drought of his career, as he'd failed to light the lamp in the first nine games of 2023-24. Gaudreau's managed only five points in 10 contests and has one lonely power-play assist, but production could begin to come in bunches for the 30-year-old now that he's off the schneid.

Gaudreau notched two assists, one on the power play, in Saturday's win over the Rangers.

EDGE Analysis

He helped set up Boone Jenner for Columbus' first two goals of the night, and the first two tallies of Jenner's natural hat trick. Gaudreau is looking to rebound from a somewhat disappointing first season with the Blue Jackets, and while he might not return to the 115-point form he flashed with the Flames in 2021-22, the 30-year-old is still talented enough to deliver at least a point a game.

Gaudreau scored an empty-net goal in Monday's 5-3 preseason win over the Blues.

EDGE Analysis

The 30-year-old is locked into a top-six role for the Blue Jackets this season and a spot on the top power-play unit while acting as a mentor for young talent like 2023 third overall pick Adam Fantilli. Gaudreau's coming off a somewhat disappointing first campaign in Columbus, managing 21 goals and 74 points in 80 games, but he's proven during his time in Calgary he has a much higher ceiling -- if he has the talent around him to reach it. If the Jackets' other star players like Patrik Laine and Zach Werenski can stay healthy and prospects like Fantilli are ready to make an impact, Gaudreau could shine once again.

Gaudreau collected a goal in Columbus' 5-2 loss to Buffalo on Friday.

EDGE Analysis

Gaudreau has closed out the season with 21 goals and 74 points in 80 outings. While those are impressive numbers, it is a far cry from the 40 goals and 115 points he recorded with Calgary in 2021-22. Gaudreau played through the first campaign of his seven-year, $68.25 million contract with Columbus.

Gaudreau scored the overtime winner in Thursday's 3-2 victory over the Penguins.

EDGE Analysis

The 29-year-old got sprung for a breakaway by Adam Boqvist and made no mistake, going five-hole on Tristan Jarry exactly one minute into the extra frame. Gaudreau has 20 goals and 73 points through 79 games, respectable given the state of the roster around him, but Thursday's win could prove costly for the franchise's chances of improving his supporting cast -- it jumped Columbus ahead of Anaheim and Chicago at the bottom of the NH:L standings, hurting the Jackets' chances of landing Connor Bedard in the draft.

Gaudreau (illness) will return to the lineup Saturday versus the Rangers, Aaron Portzline of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Gaudreau played only a few shifts Thursday against New Jersey before his illness forced him to leave the contest. He has 19 goals and 71 points in 76 games this season.

Gaudreau (illness) left Thursday's game versus the Devils and will not return.

EDGE Analysis

Gaudreau took only a handful of shifts in the first period. It's unclear if he'll feel well enough to play Saturday versus the Rangers, though the Blue Jackets are unlikely to push him since they're out of the playoff race.

Gaudreau picked up a pair of assists in Sunday's 4-3 overtime win over the Senators.

EDGE Analysis

Gaudreau grabbed his first helper on Kent Johnson's power-play goal early in the first period before setting up Kirill Marchenko for the game-winner 16 seconds into overtime. Gaudreau has increased his production of late, recording 16 points (four goals, 12 assists) in his last 12 contests. The 29-year-old forward is up to 19 goals and 71 points through 74 games this season.