Boone Jenner has surfaced as a potential Leafs target after a recent update


Nov 1, 2025; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets center Boone Jenner (38) skates against the St. Louis Blues in the second period at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-Imagn Images

Photo credit: Aaron Doster-Imagn Images

Columbus Blue Jackets captain Boone Jenner has emerged as a potential trade target after a report revealed his pending contract status may cause a bidding war.

Currently in the midst of his 13th career season as a member of the Columbus Blue Jackets, captain Boone Jenner faces an uncertain offseason as he nears free agency.

And a new update out of Columbus let on that Jenner could become a hot commodity this trade deadline if they aren’t able to re-sign him.

He mentioned that the veteran forward has set a potential timeframe for an extension to be signed, with the Olympic break the deadline:

If there’s no extension by…after the Olympics, or maybe even sooner; there are gonna be a lot of teams that are gonna line up to pluck [him] out of Columbus.

That gives Columbus roughly three months to either extend him or entertain a deal with potential bidders like the Toronto Maple Leafs.

How Boone Jenner fits the Maple Leafs’ current needs

Jenner, 32, would be able to give Toronto both a physical and offensive presence while also providing more leadership in the locker room being a team captain.

He has missed time in recent seasons but has remained effective when healthy and had a stretch from 2021-2024 where he scored 20+ goals and averaged 109 hits while providing above average defense.

Adding versatility to the lineup, Jenner can play both center and wing and would provide Toronto yet another strong face-off option who has won a career 54.1% of them.

One other benefit is that Jenner’s contract isn’t necessarily the most expensive at only $3.75-million; Toronto would need to navigate their cap situation if they pursued him.

If the Maple Leafs intend to keep pace with the rest of the Atlantic Division, then a player like Boone Jenner could help stabilize an area Toronto has been trying to improve.

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Boone Jenner has surfaced as a potential Leafs target after a recent update

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