Struggling Blues to scratch Bouwmeester vs. Leafs

Jay Bouwmeester will watch this one from the press box.

The St. Louis Blues defenseman will be a healthy scratch for Saturday's contest against the Toronto Maple Leafs, coach Mike Yeo confirmed to Sportsnet's Chris Johnston.

"It's a very, very difficult decision for me as a coach," Yeo said. "Hopefully a game like this gives him a chance to reset."

It marks the first time Bouwmeester has been designated an extra skater in his 16-year career. Through six appearances this season, the 35-year-old has picked up just one assist, despite ranking third in ice time among St. Louis rearguards.

A flurry of offseason activity led many pundits to pick the Blues as a favorite this season, but the team has won just one of its first six contests, leaving Yeo looking for a shakeup.

Bouwmeester is on the final season of his five-year, $27-million contract.