Since Blue Jackets' center Boone Jenner put up 30 goals and 49 points in the 2015-16 season, he hasn't been able to replicate his scoring touch.
His goals per season decreased from to 18 in 2016-17, and to just 13 in 2017-18 before putting up 16 in the 2018-19 campaign.
That's not for lack of trying, however — Jenner is beloved by the Blue Jackets faithful for his work ethic, gritty play, and willingness to play in difficult areas.
Jenner's play style is a definite reason for his slip in offensive production since that breakout year in '15-16. It's important to note that despite scoring 30 goals that year, Jenner was -15 on the campaign. In '18-19, Jenner was +6, but with 14 fewer goals.
Will Jenner be able to repeat his 30-goal season?
Jenner's Year
It wasn't a career year for Jenner, but it also wasn't his worst. He had a point and goal total about on par with his two prior seasons.
| GP | G | A | PTS | +/- | GWG | FO% | PS | S | S% | TOI | CF% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 77 | 16 | 22 | 38 | 6 | 3 | 54.1 | 3.6 | 170 | 9.4 | 17:04 | 48.2 |
Utilized as both a wing and a center throughout the campaign, Jenner's offensive skill and strength were a big part of the Blue Jackets' success. He saw a good majority of his ice time as a center.
Jenner didn't see very much time on the power play, but he was an integral member of the Blue Jackets' penalty kill that was ranked number one in the NHL for most of the season.
Offensively, Jenner saw just 34.2% of his shifts start in the offensive zone, compared to his career average of 42.2%. He wasn't relied on for his offense as much as in past years, but still finished with the seventh-most goals and points for the Blue Jackets.
Jenner's average time on ice has increased in each of the last two seasons. He notched an impressive 17:04 TOI for the 2018-19 season.
Highlight of the Campaign
Outlook
Jenner is signed through the 2021-22 season, with an AAV of 3.75 million, so he doesn't need to worry about a contract yet.
With the potential departures of Matt Duchene, Artemi Panarin, and Ryan Dzingel, the Blue Jackets may need scoring more than ever.
Jenner is one of a few Blue Jackets who, in that case, will have to step up and shoulder the offensive burden. Those departures may also lead to Jenner seeing more time on the power play, as well as a promotion from the third line to the second.
