Boone Jenner pictured in the Edmonton Oilers home uniform, ready for action.
The Edmonton Oilers are officially hunting for upgrades, and a familiar name has emerged as a primary target. According to NHL insider David Pagnotta, the Oilers have “captivated the attention” of Columbus Blue Jackets captain Boone Jenner. With the trade deadline looming, this isn’t just a depth add—it’s a potential game-changer for Edmonton’s bottom six.
Why Jenner? It comes down to playoff viability. While names like Andrew Mangiapane are floating around the rumor mill, Jenner brings a unique mix of faceoff utility, physicality, and scoring touch that the Oilers desperately lack in their lower lineup. The Blue Jackets are approaching a massive roster turnover with young stars like Adam Fantilli and Kirill Marchenko needing new deals, potentially making Jenner the odd man out.
If you’ve been waiting for the Oilers to add genuine grit without sacrificing skill, keep reading. The fit is perfect, but the cost might surprise you.
The Edmonton Oilers’ need to revamp their bottom six is the worst-kept secret in hockey. While fans have clamored for dream trade scenarios involving players with impossible contracts to move like Adam Henrique or Trent Frederic, the reality of the salary cap demands a smarter approach. This is where Boone Jenner enters the conversation as arguably the most logical fit for a team with Stanley Cup aspirations.
Jenner is the definition of a “playoff-style” player. Through 28 games this season, he has posted solid numbers: six goals and 19 points. But looking beyond the scoresheet reveals why Edmonton is interested. He has racked up 65 shots, 63 hits, and 28 blocked shots. He plays a “heavy” game that wears down opponents—exactly the element the Oilers often find themselves missing when the checking gets tight in May and June.
Why the Blue Jackets’ Cap Crunch Forces a Boone Jenner Trade
The Financial Reality for Columbus
From a personal insight perspective, the writing is on the wall in Columbus. The Blue Jackets might currently have cap space, but that is an illusion that will vanish quickly. They are staring down a gauntlet of contract extensions before 2028 for their new core: Adam Fantilli, Kirill Marchenko, Dmitri Voronkov, Kent Johnson, Cole Sillinger, and Denton Mateychuk, just to name a few.
Keeping a veteran UFA like Jenner, despite his captaincy, might be a luxury they can no longer afford if they want to keep their championship window open in the future.
Scouting Report: How Jenner Fits the Oilers’ Playoff Push
The Fit in Edmonton
Adding Jenner isn’t just about plugging a hole; it’s about versatility. His arrival would give the coaching staff the luxury of shifting Ryan Nugent-Hopkins to a third-line center role if they wanted to spread out the offense, or Jenner himself could anchor a shutdown fourth line that actually threatens to score.
With a cap hit of $3.75 million AAV—similar to other targets like Mangiapane—the money is manageable, though it would require some creative maneuvering or retention. However, unlike a pure rental who might struggle to adapt, Jenner’s rough-and-tumble style is plug-and-play for the Western Conference.
If the contract negotiations in Columbus don’t “bear fruit” next month as Pagnotta suggests, expect Stan Bowman to be first in line. The Oilers need a warrior, and Jenner fits the bill perfectly.
Find the Latest Oilers News & Watch Games Live
For the most up-to-date Edmonton Oilers news, rumors, and analysis, keep it locked here. Don’t forget to join our Fantasy Hockey Pool for a chance to win cash prizes! It’s the best way to test your GM skills against other fans. Also, if you’re looking for how to watch the Edmonton Oilers game on TV today, check our daily listings on the homepage. Add nhltraderumor.com to your bookmarks and sign up for our newsletter below so you never miss a breaking story!