BOOOOOOOOOOONE.
Today, the Blue Jackets announced a four-year contract extension for Boone Jenner, who will now be a Blue Jacket through the 2025-26 NHL season. The deal is worth $15 million, and has an average annual value (AAV) of $3.75 million.
Jenner was set to be an unrestricted free agent after the completion of the 2021-22 season, but the Blue Jackets weren't interested in that possibility. The 28-year-old's last contract was exactly the same: four years and $15 million, with an AAV of $3.75 million.
The Blue Jackets drafted Jenner in the second round of the 2011 NHL Draft at 37th overall, and he's had a solid few years with the organization. He tallied 30 goals in the 2015-16 campaign, and has been part of the club's leadership group for the majority of his time in Columbus. Overall, Jenner has notched 121-119-240 in 530 NHL games, all with the Blue Jackets. Here are where Jenner's stats with the Blue Jackets rank on the club's all-time list:
| Games Played | Goals | Assists | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7th | 4th | 12th | 6th |
"We are very pleased to have come to terms with Boone, who has been an integral part of our team for the past eight seasons, on this extension," said GM Jarmo Kekalainen. "From the day he was drafted in 2011, Boone has been a consummate professional with his work ethic, character and leadership. He is an important part of our hockey club and ensuring he remains a Blue Jacket for years to come was a priority for us this summer."
With all signs pointing towards Nick Foligno joining his brother Marcus in Minnesota, the writing on the wall is there for Jenner to become the club's next captain. Seth Jones and Cam Atkinson were traded last week, making Jenner the longest-tenured Blue Jacket. He's been an alternate captain for the club, and if the Blue Jackets are ready to appoint their next captain, look no further.
