The NHL season is quickly coming to an end. With just one week left in the regular season, the Blue Jackets are still right in the hunt for a playoff spot. It's also award season, and for Boone Jenner, that means big news.
This morning, he was nominated as the team's candidate for the Masterton Trophy, which is awarded every season to the player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to the sport of hockey.
Boone earned this nomination by battling through extreme circumstances to continue his NHL playing career over the last couple of years. Through multiple serious injuries, he also had to work through the passing of two beloved teammates, as well as personal tragedy.
Through it all, Boone has remained a dedicated, hard working member of the Blue Jackets. He leads the team on and off the ice, accepting whatever role is asked of him and trying to lead by example.
This season, his production may be down a bit, but his value is not. It's his leadership that matters most to this franchise. So, it shouldn't be surprising that he recently became the first player in franchise history to record 800 games in a Blue Jackets sweater.
Jenner is far and away the longest serving player in Blue Jackets history, playing in 130 games more than any other player. He has served as team captain through some of the leanest years in franchise history, helping the team transition through a full rebuild.
He has not had an easy job. He's been an inspiring presence within a locker room that has suffered two tragic deaths during his time as captain. One of which resulted in a teammate earning this award last season.
Another Jacket earned the honor last season.
The last time the Masterton Trophy was handed out, it was awarded to our own Sean Monahan. He earned the award by playing through the death of his best friend and teammate Johnny Gaudreau, in the city where he signed to play alongside him.
Obviously, that tragedy has played a massive part in Boone's journey as well. The two have helped lead the way for a lot of the other players on the team, while having to process the situation for themselves as well.
The Masterton winner is selected in a poll of all chapters of the PHWA at the end of the season. We will be cheering for Boone as we always do.