The young power forward was set to have a bounce-back year for the Columbus Blue Jackets. His back injury could derail that hope.
In the 2015-2016 season of blight and despair, Boone Jenner was a rare bright spot, scoring 30 goals and 49 assists. It seemed as though the Columbus Blue Jackets 2011 second-round pick had blossomed into what everyone had hoped he could be.
But last season was the inverse of the 2015 campaign. He was one of the few players that struggled relatively to an amazing team that finished fourth in the NHL. Boone was tenth on the team in scoring that did see some breakout players. But he was far from the 30-goal performance we saw and wanted to get used to.
This upcoming season had Boone primed for a big comeback. Due to some trades and line changes, he was set to play on a better line than last year where he would be the primary scoring option. It was possible to see him get some increased time on the second power play unit as well.
Columbus Blue Jackets
Mysterious Back Injury
But a mysterious “middle body” injury popped out a few weeks ago. No one really knows how it came about although it’s since been updated to a back injury. Nontheless, it continues to nag Jenner. He did not skate in any preseason games, and he is also still listed as day-to-day.
A good camp is vital to a strong start to the season. Jenner was set to come into 2017 and help reduce the scoring burden as the team prepares for life without Scott Hartnell and Sam Gagner.
Now we will likely not see Boone on the opening night 23-man roster. This is good news for youngsters looking to get a taste of the NHL, but continues to worry the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Jenner is not in any danger of loosing his job; just the opportunity to get off to a quick start and get back to the 2015-2016 Boone Jenner we all want to see.
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The injury takes 30 goals off the table for Jenner, who is in the final year of his contract. The injury makes a big season unlikely, and a big contract a bit smaller for Boone.