The longest tenured player in Columbus Blue Jackets history is in the final year of his contract. But, while the franchise has mentioned wanting to keep Boone Jenner around, we have to ask: does it make sense?
Boone has been a Blue Jacket for an entire generation. Drafted by the team in the 2nd round (#37 overall) back in 2011, he has played his entire career in Columbus.
He holds the franchise record for games played with 783, which is 109 more than second place (Rick Nash, 674). He's third in goals (207), fourth in assists (203), and third in points (410).
By the time it's all said and done, #38 will forever hold a place in our hearts as one of the most beloved players in the history of this franchise. And, it will stay that way for a long time. But, is his time here nearing its end?
Boone is a pending UFA.
With all of the nostalgic stuff aside, this franchise finds itself at a bit of a crossroads. The Jackets are mired in the middle of a playoff race with Boone Jenner as their captain. For this reason alone, it's easy to make the argument that he should be here for the duration of this season.
But, beyond this year, does it make sense? That depends on your perspective. From a roster construction point of view, he fits right into what Don Waddell is trying to mold this team into. He's big, gritty, reliable on both sides of the puck, and a terrific human being.
The coaching staff can throw Boone onto the ice in virtually any situation, knowing they are going to have a guy who makes the reliable, safe play every single time. That is the game that has kept Boone around, throughout so much change and inconsistency within this organization.
For all of these reasons, ownership and management wanting to keep him around makes perfect sense. And, I definitely think there is a future where the team can keep this guy ... and this guy ... and Boone, and have it all work.
But, with all of that in mind, I would be remiss if I didn't bring up the elephant in the room. Boone has missed a lot of hockey over the last several seasons.
Since the COVID-shortened 2020-21 season (Boone missed 15 games that year, as well), the Blue Jackets have played 344 games. They have had their captain in just 253 of them.
That's because all of those years of gritty determination out of a guy who has never had the quickest feet, have taken their toll. Boone blocks a lot of shots. He throws a lot of checks. He battles in front of the net, and along the boards.
Eventually, that starts to wear a guy down. Which is why I think the Blue Jackets have to be careful about extending this player to too large of a contract.
If they can keep him around on a 1-year, or 2-3 year deal with a team friendly cap hit, then sure, it could make sense. But, we're at a point in this franchise's build where he might be expendable. There are other guys here who can do what he does, and play higher up in the lineup. And, with better health.
Over the weekend, the fans had their say on X:
Sunday poll: if the Jackets want roster flexibility moving forward, they might only be able to keep 2 of these players. Who should they walk away from? #CBJ
— Union and Blue (@UnionAndBlue) February 8, 2026
Also, let's be honest: this team has a lot of players coming back next year. Let's assume they re-sign both Charlie Coyle and Mason Marchment ahead of this year's trade deadline. We'll also assume that both Cole Sillinger and Adam Fantilli are coming back, too (I know, big reach here).
That would give them 11 forwards signed for next season. A list that does not include Luca del bel Belluz, who looks to be ready for his shot at cracking the NHL. This doesn't even mention any potential upgrades or additions Waddell may seek during the offseason.
If he does return, Boone might need to accept a depth role.
Most recently, Boone Jenner has been used by Rick Bowness as the team's fourth line center. If everyone mentioned above returns, that might be the only job for him as this team progresses forward.
He's not supplanting Mason Marchment, Adam Fantilli, or Kirill Marchenko on the top line. Nor does his game seem suited to fill in on the second line, which has Dmitri Voronkov, Sean Monahan, and Kent Johnson. He just doesn't have the pace to be a top-6 foward full-time anymore.
The team's third line of Cole Sillinger, Charlie Coyle, and Mathieu Olivier has been arguably its best, most consistent line all year. That would leave a fourth line spot open, though it gets crowded in a hurry. Miles Wood and Isac Lundestrom fit there.
If Luca del bel Belluz does make the jump, someone is going on the outside looking in. It's a nice problem to have, but it's possible that the decisions made at this year's trade deadline, are made with all of this in mind. The Jackets may prefer roster flexibility over the loyalty of their longest serving player.
It will be fascinating to see what Waddell does with all of the options laid in front of him over the next few weeks. While I get wanting to keep Boone around, in what looks like a seller's market; the value he brings back in a trade might be worth more to this team in the long run.