The Columbus Blue Jackets got started with their offseason — a little earlier than they'd like.
Not long after their season finale loss against the Capitals to wrap up six consecutive seasons without the playoffs in Columbus, head coach Rick Bowness was signed to a new one-year contract.
An even more critical offseason for president and general manager Don Waddell than last year at this time, two dominoes were down, with many more to go.
In April, we spoke about the Jackets’ UFAs. One was Charlie Coyle, who had spoken glowingly of Bowness and soon after the season, signed a six-year extension.
Another looming decision comes in the form of the franchise’s all-time games played leader (808), Boone Jenner.
The 32-year-old Jenner has been the longest tenured Blue Jacket since he came into the league in 2013-14. Since the season ended, there have been swirling comments regarding Jenner’s future in Columbus.
Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman provided the latest on the Jenner situation on this week's 32 Thoughts podcast episode, referencing The Athletic's Aaron Portzline's reporting of Jenner firing his agent, as well as what Coyle's extension with Columbus could mean for Jenner's future with the club.
"It's a bad sign for where things are going between Boone Jenner and Columbus," Friedman said. "Because if things were going well in that negotiation, you don't make the agent change. It says to me that there's probably a little bit of disappointment.
"Charlie Coyle was the No. 1 free agent out there. The No. 1 center out there. He had a really good year for Columbus. And he was in a position where he really had the hammer. I think the other key thing here is Charlie Coyle...you look at his games played over the last few years. It's 82, 83, the year before, because he got traded, so he got that extra game, 82, 82, 82.
"If you can stay healthy, that matters."
Jenner is coming off a season in which he produced 38 points (13 goals, 25 assists) in 67 games. He missed 14 games with an upper-body injury following a game against the Kraken in November. And injuries have been a constant theme for Jenner in recent years, playing in 26 games in 2024-25, 58 games in 2023-24, 68 games in 2022-23, and 59 games in 2021-22.
The other thing about Jenner, the second-longest tenured captain in franchise history, a title he’s held for each of the last five seasons, is whether that is a title he would still hold should he and the Jackets agree to a new deal.
It’s feeling less and less likely.
Possible candidates to be the next captain of the Blue Jackets would include Zach Werenski and Coyle. Werenski's been part of the official leadership core for Columbus since 2021, donning the 'A' as an alternate captain. Coyle wore the 'A' while with the Bruins.
But one thought could be that the Jackets don't designate a captain for next season, especially if Jenner moves on. Or maybe regardless.
Especially in the wake of Bowness' fiery end-of-season press conference in the season finale, as his tirade overlapped with talk of culture change needed in Columbus. And there's a precedent of a Bowness-led club playing without an official designated captain, such as when the Winnipeg Jets stripped Blake Wheeler of the 'C' ahead of the 2022-23 season.
Bowness has also talked about leaders not necessarily needing to wear a letter to lead the team.
"You associate leadership with wearing a 'C' or an 'A,' and I don't," Bowness said. "I associate leadership with a guy who cares to win. Wants to win."
Even if Coyle isn't the captain, or if someone else is, Coyle is certainly among the leaders tasked with helping change the culture. In 14 NHL seasons, Coyle made the playoffs in each of his first 13 years.
And for those of you who hold out hope that Jenner and the Jackets can come to a new agreement, The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun offered a glimmer of hope, referencing last year's 11th-hour move to keep Ivan Provorov long term.
As it pertains to Jenner, the question the Blue Jackets are likely asking themselves is whether the fan favorite can still provide the value they think will help them get over the edge and into the playoffs. At the value they would feel comfortable offering.
His role appears more suited to the bottom six, where he was playing at that end of the season. And going forward, that's likely in Columbus or another city.
Over the last few seasons, Jenner’s name had been mentioned in trade deadline chatter. If the time is nearing its end for Jenner and Columbus, there will likely be suitors interested in the long time Jacket.
