Blue Jackets roster squeeze may be forcing them to move on from Boone Jenner

Over the last few weeks, we have gone pretty extensively over the roster situation for the Blue Jackets. Today, it was reported that Boone Jenner has fired his representation. That could be a signal that the team is moving on from their long-time captain.

The potential of moving on from one of the pending UFAs is something we saw coming to an eventual head months ago. In fact, we asked the question on X all the way back in early February, and the results were very decisive. The 5th Line spoke, and Jenner looked to be the odd man out-even back then.

That is not entirely surprising. This season, Boone played in 67 games, scoring 13 goals and 38 points (fitting). As we have come to know, he was reliable (if not flashy) on both sides of the puck. He makes the safe play 9 times out of 10, and is a really good player.

The problem is, as the saying goes: good is often the enemy of great. For far too long, this organization has slammed down the "easy button", throwing #38 into whatever hole in the lineup they needed to fill.

He's played everywhere, from top line center two years ago, all the way down to fourth line left wing this season; while serving as captain through the entire rebuild. The issue arises when you look at this team's make up, and realize that even if they don't retain any more of their UFAs, there is only one job available up front.

By signing either Jenner or pending UFA Mason Marchment, GM Don Waddell would be tying up some of his roster flexibility. Not to mention, eating up some of the cap space that he has to spend.

As our poll in February might suggest, that probably leaves Jenner as the odd man out. His usage declined quite a bit this year, with his ice time (16:05 per game) dropping to its lowest point since the 2016-17 season.

That's not a knock on Boone. That has more to do with Waddell solidifying this team's center depth, while simultaneously adding two more scoring wingers to the fold. With the team's third line becoming an identity line (note: without Boone Jenner on it), he found himself buried on the depth chart. The writing has been on the wall here.

It's just time.

All of the talk this spring has been about the Blue Jackets changing their culture. That often includes changing the leadership core around. Again, not a knock on Boone. He's been a great ambassador for this team and the city of Columbus.

But, I would be lying if I said that his leadership has ever willed this team to higher levels. He's a quiet captain, who typically leads by example. His work ethic really is second to none, and he has definitely helped mold this group into an up and coming team.

As good a motivator as he is, the elephant in the room here: he has missed a lot of hockey over the last few seasons. When he's been in the lineup, his declining speed has been noticeable. And, his decision making has almost become too safe.

Finally, in his five years as captain, this team has not made the playoffs. While he has been a great Blue Jacket through some of the toughest times in franchise history, they are in no place to give him a legacy type of contract. This team needs to forge above and beyond.

Again, good being the enemy of great here.

If the Blue Jackets really do opt to move on from Boone Jenner, he will land on his feet somewhere else. There are plenty of teams out there that could use some depth and experience in their bottom six up front. He can still fill that role, especially on a team with a stronger top six, where he does not need to fill in.

Whether he moves on or not, he will go down as one of the most beloved icons in CBJ franchise history. Either way, we will keep tabs on this situation as it unfolds.

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