The Washington Capitals are in the midst of a roster overhaul, and as NHL free agency looms, they're reportedly eyeing Columbus Blue Jackets captain Boone Jenner as a potential addition. This tidbit comes courtesy of insider Kevin Weekes, who shared during ESPN’s coverage of the 2026 NHL Draft that Jenner's name has been circulating in connection with Washington for quite some time.
With a healthy amount of cap space still available, the Capitals are in a prime position to make further strategic moves. The question remains whether they will bolster their defense, or perhaps add depth to their forward lines. Jenner, a seasoned veteran, could be just the piece they need to add versatility and depth.
The Capitals have been busy this offseason, already making significant strides by acquiring Jordan Kyrou from the St. Louis Blues and securing Alex Tuch from the Buffalo Sabres in a sign-and-trade deal. These moves have left them with just over $14 million in projected cap space, giving them room to maneuver further.
Boone Jenner, at 33, wrapped up the 2025-26 season with 38 points, thanks to his 13 goals and 25 assists over 67 games. With a career spanning 13 NHL seasons, Jenner has proven his scoring prowess, boasting four seasons with at least 20 goals, three of which came in the last five years. While primarily a center, Jenner's ability to play left wing could fill a crucial gap for the Capitals, who have been strengthening their right side.
Adding Jenner would not only provide depth at center but also bring a wealth of experience and leadership to the Capitals' lineup. Washington already has promising young talent at center, with Ilya Protas poised to step up to a full-time NHL role and Justin Sourdif having shown his capabilities last season.
Jenner's potential departure from Columbus isn't a shocker. Reports have suggested a parting of ways was likely, given his diminished role under coach Rick Bowness, which complicated contract extension talks.
Having spent his entire 808-game career with the Blue Jackets, Jenner holds the franchise record for games played. His $3.5 million cap hit last season reflects his value, and he could offer the Capitals the leadership and seasoned depth they seek if this interest materializes into a deal.
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It is another sign the club still values his potential as center depth, especially with a player who has been developing inside the system and getting reps in the minors. Williams path back to Columbus is still a work in progress, but the new deal keeps him in the mix and gives the Blue Jackets another experienced option to monitor as camp and roster decisions continue. [Read more 🡒]
Blue Jackets Fans May Need To Brace For Boone Jenners Next Step
With July 1 getting closer, Boone Jenner still does not have a new contract in place, and that has become one of the more important questions hanging over the Blue Jackets offseason. Columbus has long leaned on its captain as a dependable center and a steadying presence, but the closer free agency gets, the more likely it is that Jenner tests the open market.
If he gets there, there should be no shortage of interest. Jenner would be one of the more appealing centers available, and league projections have already started to connect him with teams looking for help down the middle as they reshape their rosters. For the Blue Jackets, the uncertainty is less about whether Jenner will draw attention and more about how far the process may go before Columbus can figure out whether its captain is still part of the plan. [Read more 🡒]
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For Columbus, the intrigue is less about the noise than the reality underneath it: Werenski is not an easy player to pry loose, and he still has years left on his extension. Any team serious about even exploring that kind of move would have to be willing to pay a steep price and navigate the kind of trade structure that usually lives more in theory than in practice, which is why this storyline is worth watching even before anything concrete emerges. [Read more 🡒]