If the Edmonton Oilers want to make a serious run this spring, shoring up their third-line center position isn’t just a want - it’s a need. And if Boone Jenner becomes available before the March 6 trade deadline, he should shoot straight to the top of Edmonton’s wish list.
Why Jenner Makes Sense for Edmonton
At 6-foot-2 and 204 pounds, Boone Jenner brings the kind of size, grit, and two-way reliability that playoff teams covet down the middle. He’s not flashy, but he’s the type of player who does the hard stuff well - winning faceoffs, killing penalties, and wearing down opponents with physical, responsible play. That’s third-line center gold in the postseason.
Jenner’s been a Blue Jacket lifer since being drafted 37th overall in 2011, and while Columbus is still in the playoff hunt - just four points back of the Bruins for the final wild-card spot - there’s still a chance they pivot toward selling if the standings shift. If that happens, Jenner becomes one of the most compelling names on the market.
A Look at the Numbers
Jenner’s production has been steady over the years, even if injuries have limited his availability. He broke out back in 2015-16 with 30 goals and 49 points, and while he didn’t hit those numbers again, he’s carved out a consistent role as a 20-goal scorer. From 2021-22 through 2023-24, he tallied 71 goals and 124 points in 185 games - a strong stretch for a player often tasked with tough minutes.
Last season was a setback due to injury, but even in limited action (26 games), he was on pace for a 22-goal, 59-point season. This year, he’s missed time again but still has 27 points in 42 games - tracking toward a 15-goal, 52-point pace. That’s solid output for a third-line center, especially one who’s also logging over an hour of shorthanded ice time and winning 52.8% of his faceoffs.
In fact, Jenner has a career faceoff win rate of 54%, and when he’s on the ice at five-on-five, Columbus is holding its own - 50.91% of the goal share and 48.53% of expected goals. Those are respectable numbers, especially on a team that hasn’t exactly been a defensive juggernaut.
The concern? Durability.
Jenner hasn’t played more than 70 games in a season since 2018-19. He’s already missed 14 games this year and spent most of last season on the shelf.
That’s a risk, no doubt - but it’s one that might be worth taking for a team like Edmonton that’s all-in on winning now.
Cap Math and Trade Mechanics
Now, let’s talk dollars and cents. Jenner’s cap hit is a manageable $3.75 million - and he’s a pending UFA, which means there’s no long-term commitment.
But as it stands, the Oilers can’t absorb that full hit. They’ve got just under $2.888 million in space, and when Adam Henrique comes off LTIR, they’re projected to be about $1.772 million over the cap.
Here’s where things get interesting: Columbus hasn’t used any of its salary retention slots. If they’re willing to retain 50% of Jenner’s salary, that brings his cap hit down to $1.875 million - a number that fits nicely even after Henrique is activated.
There’s also the possibility of clearing more space via trade. Andrew Mangiapane’s $3.6 million cap hit is seen as a likely candidate to be moved before the deadline. If Edmonton can find a taker for Mangiapane, it opens the door not only for Jenner but potentially for another depth addition as well.
What Would It Cost?
So what’s the price tag for a player like Jenner? We can look back to a recent Oilers deal for a comparable: Adam Henrique.
Edmonton brought him in from Anaheim ahead of the 2024 deadline, along with Sam Carrick, in exchange for a first-round pick and a conditional fifth. Both players came with 50% salary retention.
At the time, Henrique was 33 and putting up decent numbers - 18 goals and 42 points in 60 games - but he was also starting to show signs of decline. Jenner, at 32, is arguably the more complete player right now, and given the number of contenders looking to bolster their bottom six, there could be a bidding war.
Still, the Oilers have the assets to get a deal done. If Columbus decides to make Jenner available, Edmonton should be right in the mix - and maybe even the frontrunner, depending on how aggressive they want to be.
Bottom Line
Boone Jenner checks just about every box for what the Oilers need in a third-line center. He’s physical, reliable, battle-tested, and still capable of chipping in offensively. Yes, his injury history is something to monitor, but the upside - especially at a reduced cap hit - is hard to ignore.
If the Blue Jackets make him available, expect Edmonton to be on the phone. For a team that’s all-in on a Stanley Cup push, Jenner could be the kind of under-the-radar addition that pays big dividends in May and June.