The Columbus Blue Jackets got a massive boost when captain Boone Jenner was able to return from a shoulder injury he suffered during training camp. We’re now starting to see how massive that boost was in more ways than one.
Jenner has been the model of consistency in his approach to the game as a member of the Blue Jackets. He only knows one way to play the game. That’s with everything he has.
Jenner’s return couldn’t have come at a better time for the Blue Jackets. They are fighting tooth and nail in the Eastern Conference Playoff race. What he’s been able to bring to the table with his on-ice production has lifted the entire team.
But it’s what Jenner is doing off the ice that isn’t necessarily getting enough attention. As you will see, that will have a lasting impact for years to come in the Blue Jackets’ locker room.
On the Ice
After taking a few games to shake some rust off and get used to the speed of the game again, Jenner has been one of the Blue Jackets’ best players. Even when the points weren’t there, head coach Dean Evason said Jenner was their best player in certain games.
Given the recent struggles finding offense, that says something. That means Jenner is impacting the game the way we all come to expect. He continues to play in every important situation. He wins key faceoffs. He plays an important role on the power play. He kills penalties. He does it all.
Now, the offensive output is starting to come. Jenner has 17 points in his 17 games since returning from injury. This includes 5-3-8 in his last five games. He is showing that he can contribute offense in different ways.
In the Blue Jackets’ 8-4 win over the Nashville Predators, Jenner made a key play at a key time in the game.
The score was 4-3 Blue Jackets. The Predators just scored two goals to cut it to a one-goal game. They had pressure in the offensive zone looking for a tying goal. That’s when the captain turned defensive into offense.
Jenner was in position to take advantage of a turnover. But instead of just clearing the puck and going for the change, he saw Fantilli with his stick on the ice and got the puck to him with speed. It helped create the 5-3 goal and a turning point in Tuesday’s game.
Jenner could have high flipped the puck over the defense so everyone could change. But instead, thanks to the chemistry that line already has, they saw an opportunity to make a play and made it. The Blue Jackets never looked back.
Fantilli says he’s having a lot of fun playing with Jenner right now.
“He came in right away and was impactful,” Fantilli said. “He’s been so hot especially the last few games here when maybe our scoring hasn’t been at the level that we’ve had it. He’s been going and he’s been taking charge of that. That’s why he is our captain. He’s been unbelievable and playing with him, he’s been a lot of fun. So I love it.”
Their linemate Kent Johnson had three assists on Tuesday night. He says they all have chemistry together. It comes down to being connected in what they do.
“All of us on a line, you got three guys doing the exact same thing out there or wanting to be in the same spots all the time,” Johnson said. “I definitely think we all have very different games, very different skill sets. But I think we’re connected well and using each other’s strengths.”
While the goals and points are good, that is only a small part of the story of how Jenner is impactful inside the locker room. As Fantilli said earlier, Jenner is their captain for a reason.
Helping the Next Wave
This is perhaps the most underrated part of Jenner’s impact. He’s in position to impart his wisdom and knowledge to the Blue Jackets’ young core. To a player, each of them recognize how important the captain’s presence is.
When Jenner first returned from injury, everyone on the ice couldn’t hide their smile. There was a happiness and jubilation knowing that they were getting a massive boost.
Johnson gets to see Jenner everyday from the perspective of being his linemate. No matter what situation arises, the captain is there sharing his knowledge to the next wave.
“It’s lead by example,” Johnson said of Jenner’s leadership. “His effort everyone sees every night. He’s always working really well in battles. Then he’s just a great guy and very positive. He will say something if need be. I think he does a good job of helping you out (when needed.) It’s saying what he believes and how it is. It’s really fun to play with him.”
“He’s a worker but he also enjoys it. I think that’s the perfect balance. It’s contagious. We’re very lucky to have him as our captain.”
Kirill Marchenko recorded a hat trick on Tuesday night. He couldn’t stop smiling when reflecting on what all the captain does in his eyes.
“We enjoy. I think everybody enjoy playing with him,” Marchenko said of Jenner. “He’s a great leader (and) great captain and he gives us all energy. He’s scored a lot of goals (and) makes a lot of things happen on the ice. We need to follow him and it’s unbelievable.”
Denton Mateychuk is a leader in his own right. As a captain in junior, he understands what comes with being in that kind of position. He too sees Jenner’s approach and tries to learn from him.
“You can just see he’s so excited to come into the rink everyday,” Mateychuk said. That energy, it feeds off when a guy is that happy to be at the rink and playing. You all know how hard he’s worked to get back. It’s awesome to see that. That’s leadership right there just having that mindset. I think the way he conducts himself and speaks in the room, it’s awesome the way he helps his team.”
Final Thoughts
When considering Jenner’s career, it’s incomplete to only consider his numbers. While he is having a positive impact and quickly rising up the franchise ranks, we have to consider his role as captain equally.
What Jenner is doing for the likes of Johnson, Fantilli, Marchenko, Mateychuk and everyone on the Blue Jackets is the stuff of captains. The young core is learning and getting to see firsthand what it takes to be an impactful player in the NHL. These lessons are priceless and don’t always appear in the scoresheet.
Consider the days when the Blue Jackets were losing and struggling to score. It’s in those moments that a captain has to act the part and be an example for this team. Jenner has pressed into that role and is flourishing. His consistent approach will have a major influence on the core as they grow into their roles moving forward.
Jenner truly does it all for the Blue Jackets. His teammates feed off his energy. When he speaks, everyone listens. He lets his actions do the loudest talking. The result is a room closer than ever under his watch.
Jenner’s impact goes way beyond the scoresheet. His impact will be remembered for years to come thanks to the leadership he brings everyday.
