James van Riemsdyk News: Playing time slipping

Van Riemsdyk was scratched for the second game in a row Saturday versus the Senators.

The Blue Jackets likely wouldn't be anywhere near the playoff race if not for van Riemsdyk, who has helped provide veteran cover for injuries or slumping players. However, the team is as healthy as it has been all year, and van Riemsdyk finds himself crowded out of the lineup with 15 healthy forwards on the roster. That number will rise to 16 when the recently signed Jack Williams is ready to make his NHL debut after the undrafted forward earned a contract following a strong collegiate campaign. Van Riemsdyk is at 30 points, 71 shots on net, 28 hits and a minus-7 rating across 63 appearances, but fantasy managers who were holding onto him for depth offense can cut him loose now that he's trending toward being stuck in the press box.