The Lore of Boone Jenner, Is He Ready For The NHL?

The Columbus Blue Jackets had an offense last season only a mother could love. If they had just a little more offensive punch we could have been looking at the second ever Blue Jackets team to make the playoffs, and with the way this team was playing at the end of the year, who knows what could have happened.

I like to think they could have played with any team in the Stanley Cup Playoffs and caused a little bit of a ruckus once they got there.

April 17, 2013; Anaheim, CA, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets right wing

(10) moves the puck against the defense of Anaheim Ducks defenseman

(44) during the third period at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Jarmo Kekalainen and John Davidson addressed the woeful offense at the trade deadline last season with the acquisition of Marian Gaborik. Jarmo and JD then landed one of the top free agent prizes in Nathan Horton, to not only continue to bolster the offense, but the overall talent level of the Blue Jackets roster.

The question now is whether or not it will be enough, that’s where the man, the myth, the legend, Boone Jenner has a meet cute with this article. He is, in most people’s eyes, the Columbus Blue Jackets biggest offensive talent they have in their pipeline. He might be the most lauded prospect that has ever come up through the ranks of the Blue Jackets farm systems.

Jenner was rated as a player that had first round talent, he then thankfully slipped down to the Blue Jackets in the second round, as they drafted Jenner with the 37th overall pick in the 2011 NHL Draft. Everywhere this kid has been for an extended period of time he has produced points, and produced points at an All-Star level.

In 2008-2009 for the Elgin-Middlesex Chiefs he tallied 49 goals and 54 assists for a total of 103 points in 54 games at the age of 15. The next season he graduated to the Oshawa Generals of the OHL, to say the least the onslaught of scoring continued. In 2009-2010 in 65 games he posted 19 goals and 30 assists for a total of 49 points. He got better in 2010-2011, playing in 63 games he racked up 25 goals and 41 assists for a total of 66 points. Jenner played in fewer games during the 2011-2012 season but still managed to average a point per game, contributing 22 goals and 27 assists for a total of 49 points in 43 games. What did he do for an encore to finish off his already stellar career with Oshawa in the OHL you might wonder? He pumped in 45 goals and 37 assists in 56 games, adding up to an impressive 82 points. Below is a video of some of Boone Jenner’s sick offensive talent and skill.

Boone Jenner was elected to the OHL’s All Rookie First team in the 2009-2010 season. He then garnered the “C” for the Oshawa Generals in the 2011-2012 season and captained them in 2012-2013 as well. Boone has also been apart of the U20 Team Canada Roster, experience that will definitely come in handy down the road.

Boone has also spent some time with the Springfield Falcons, the Columbus Blue Jackets AHL affiliate. In 2011-2012 he played in 5 games and had 1 goal and 0 assists, and in 2012-2013 while they were in the playoffs he played in 5 games and contributed 3 goals and 1 assist.

Mar 12, 2013; Columbus, OH, USA; Vancouver Canucks goalie

(1) makes a save on Columbus Blue Jackets left wing

(11) during the shootout at Nationwide Arena. Vancouver defeated Columbus 2-1 in a shootout Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-USA TODAY Sports

As you can see, when he was called up to Springfield he didn’t exactly set the world afire. A lot of pundits will say he needs another year of seasoning in the AHL, last year when he was skating circles around the OHL I couldn’t have disagreed more. With the likes of Nathan Horton, Marian Gaborik, Cam Atkinson, Matt Calvert, Mark Letestu, and other offensive weapons for the Blue Jackets to rely on, I wouldn’t mind seeing him blossom into a more complete player in the AHL.

There is always the possibility, without Vinny Prospal being brought back at this point, he could make the Blue Jackets roster right out of camp and start the season in the NHL. I will hold my judgement until camp arrives, but for now I wouldn’t mind seeing him start the season in Springfield.

However if the Columbus Blue Jacket offense starts off like last year’s club did, get ready because he will be the first player called up to try to right the ship. Boone was born to play in the NHL, and his offensive talent can not be denied. He will get his chance to show the Blue Jackets faithful what he’s got, the only question will be when?

I am looking forward to seeing him sport a Blue Jackets sweater when he is ready and the time is right. I even have a saying geared up and ready to go when he does make the show and becomes an All-Star. Get ready to hear “Boone goes the Cannon” whenever Jenner arrives.