Time for the Blue Jackets to Move on From Boone Jenner – The Hockey Writers – Columbus Blue Jackets

The Columbus Blue Jackets faced some hard realities after struggling down the stretch and failing to make the playoffs, the sixth consecutive season in which they have failed to make the postseason. After getting hot and getting back into the race, Blue Jackets fans and management felt like they should have been more than they were.

They have already made moves with an eye on being legitimate contenders, and have decisions to make about potential free agent pursuits. The Blue Jackets have perhaps their toughest decision to make, and that may be parting with long-time Blue Jacket and captain Boone Jenner.

Tough Roster Choices

Though the Blue Jackets have already made some minor moves, they do have a significant decision coming up. In addition to Jenner, winger Mason Marchment is set to be a free agent as well. Even if the Blue Jackets wanted to keep both, that would be a tricky proposition. If they want to take a big swing, that simply is not feasible.

Between Sean Monahan, Adam Fantilli, and Cole Sillinger, the Blue Jackets have their three top center positions accounted for. If Jenner would be willing to take a discount deal as a fourth-liner, then he would certainly have a place as he did at times this season. But what are the odds of that happening?

Not as Impactful as He Once Was

At one time, Jenner was an effective top-six option. That time has long since passed. He rebounded a bit from an injury-riddled 2024-25 season, recording the third-most points in his career since 2019-20. Just two seasons ago, he was the team’s top line center.

Even if the Blue Jackets opted to retain none of their free agents, the potential openings are slim. Jenner is an effective checker and defensive presence, but the writing is on the wall about his place in the current lineup. At 32 years old, and with a recent history of injuries, his impact on a nightly basis has declined.

It’s Time to Move on

It may simply be time for the Blue Jackets to move on, especially if the goal is to “change the culture.” Jenner represents the Blue Jackets of the last decade, most of which has been spent thinking about the NHL Draft rather than the playoffs.

His usage declined substantially despite him playing in 67 games (the second-most since 2019-20). He dropped to just 16:05 per month, the lowest since the 2016-17 season when he was just 23 years old. That isn’t a knock on Jenner, more a greater move to solidify the team’s depth down the middle.

Jenner has been the heart and soul of the Blue Jackets for a long time. That being said, if the team is going to finally get back into the postseason and do more than simply make it, it may be time to move on. Jenner could be effective as a fourth-liner, but he likely feels like he has more in the tank and would look for a bigger role elsewhere.

If the two part ways, it would be something of an “end of an era” situation. Jenner has meant a lot to the franchise and city, but things have to end at some point. Both sides moving on would probably be best at this stage.