Blue Jackets rumors: The UFA who surprisingly might not be re-signed this summer appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Columbus Blue Jackets missed the playoffs this year, which infuriated new head coach Rick Bowness. After the final game of the season, Bowness promised to change the culture in Columbus and signed a two-year extension. The Blue Jackets have already signed Charlie Coyle, but they may let Boone Jenner walk in free agency. The Athletic’s Aaron Portzline reports on why the captain may be headed out the door.
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“There’s no way to hear that other than as a critique toward the club’s leadership, not just the captain, but the alternates and all the veterans. Bowness has backpedaled only slightly in the weeks since; he meant what he said,” Portzline reported. “Bowness changed captains at his previous stop in Winnipeg. He has made it clear the situation here is not as dire as it was in Winnipeg when he arrived, but he hasn’t exactly vowed that the captaincy isn’t going to change under his watch.”
Portzline says that the Blue Jackets will have options for their next captain if Jenner leaves. “If Jenner leaves as a free agent, the Blue Jackets will have a new captain. Zach Werenski and Coyle would be strong considerations, as might Mathieu Olivier. For all involved, that might be the easiest path.”
Jenner has played the most games in Blue Jackets history with 808 and is third in goals, assists, and points. But if Bowness is going to change the culture, letting the captain walk would be the best move. They need to get younger as well, and Jenner will be 33 years old on opening night.
The Blue Jackets signed Coyle to a six-year deal worth $6 million per season. That deal expires when he is 40 years old, so Columbus needs to make sure they aren’t saddling themselves with too many late-30s players. That could mean the end of Jenner’s run.