No one will ever question Boone Jenner's work and commitment.
He's long been one of the emotional catalysts of the Blue Jackets and, as part of their leadership group, is a leader within their locker room. But in a league that's gotten faster and faster every year – with an added emphasis on skill – Jenner was like many players in looking over his shoulder.
The Blue Jackets believe in Jenner, as evidenced by the four-year contract extension they signed him to this summer, but they know he has more to give. His 2017-18 season was inconsistent but picked up steam down the stretch and into the Stanley Cup playoffs, finishing the year with 13 goals and 19 assists in 75 regular season games. He added three points in six playoff games against the Washington Capitals.
But with change in the league comes a necessary change in some players, and Jenner is aware that he's one of them. He committed to a new training routine this summer and he told media on Wednesday that he's both lost weight and become leaner, looking to gain a little speed as he begins his sixth NHL season.
"I think it's great to keep him around.. that stability for our organization." - Boone on Tortorella's extension.#CBJ pic.twitter.com/PeM9g3CBoV
— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) September 12, 2018
"I changed it up a little bit, as far as my off-ice (training) goes," Jenner said. "I started skating a little bit more and a little earlier, so (with) things like that I feel good. I'm champing at the bit here to get back together with the guys...we have skates the last few weeks, but once camp starts, it'll be nice to get going again."
And as Bob McElligott of the Blue Jackets Radio Network alluded to in Jenner's media session, with all the talk of potential changes this past offseason, Jenner's name was floated out there. That was obviously quelled with the new contract, but being able to continue in Columbus was important to Jenner.
"It's really exciting for myself, obviously," Jenner said. "I've had five years here in Columbus; (with) the things we've built here, I think I'm a part of it and I'm happy to be part of it going forward."
