Blue Jackets' Veteran Seen As Prime Trade Target For Contenders

The Columbus Blue Jackets appear to be a middle-of-the-pack team once again, as certain players expected to be carrying the team just aren't having repeat seasons of 2024-25 or have declined. If this carries on all season, it will create an interesting situation for Columbus, which has players they can sell at a high value.

According to David Pagnotta, Boone Jenner is likely going to be a prime trade candidate for potential contenders this season. The Blue Jackets are 10-8-2, out of a playoff spot, and have plenty of young players who can and are currently stepping in while Jenner is injured.

The captain is in the last year of his deal at $3.75 million AAV and only has an eight-team no-trade list that likely doesn't include very many, if any, contenders. Jenner is well worth his cap hit, and if the Blue Jackets trade him, it's always an option for them to retain some of the cap to make it work.

Jenner has three goals and 10 points in 16 games this season and would be a strong fit in the middle-six of a contender, even on the top line as he's played in Columbus. He can score, is great in the faceoff circle, is very physical, and can play in all situations.

Jenner is someone who, if he becomes available, there will be a bidding war for him and he will get a good return for the Blue Jackets. The team only has one other UFA after the season and are at the point where many of the young players will be in line for extensions.

The Blue Jackets don't have to trade Jenner for futures. The team could be looking for even more NHL-ready talent and teams would be willing to part with those to get Jenner for a run and a chance at re-signing him as well. Unless the Blue Jackets are firmly in a playoff spot, which seems unlikely with all of the teams bunched up, then Jenner will be in trade rumors and might be headed to another team.