Blue Jackets' Atkinson a healthy scratch vs. Coyotes

Blue Jackets forward Cam Atkinson will be a healthy scratch Saturday against the Arizona Coyotes, head coach John Tortorella told reporters, per Aaron Portzline of The Athletic.

Atkinson had a breakout year in 2016-17, tallying a career-high 35 goals and 62 points. This season has been a different story, as he's mustered just six goals and nine points in 25 games.

Tortorella insists the decision is in his best interest.

"For me, it's not a tough call," Tortorella said, according to Brian Hedger of BlueJackets.com. "Cam's a very important guy. If we're going to have any sniff at all of having a chance to play and keep playing, he has to be a huge part of it.

"I know people get all jittery about it. I look at this as part of the process to getting him back. Do you want to go down this road? No. As I've said many times. It's easy to sit a guy out, but you've got to go through the other processes to try to help him. I think I'm helping him. You may think I'm crazy, but I do feel I'm helping Cam, and I'm going to continue to try and help him. I'll put it to you that way."

The benching comes less than a month after the 28-year-old signed a seven-year contract extension with a $5.875-million annual cap hit.

Sonny Milano is expected to take Atkinson's spot in the lineup.