With Boone Jenner Off the Board, the Oilers Shift Focus Ahead of Trade Deadline
The NHL roster freeze is just hours away, and the Edmonton Oilers are deep in the trade market, looking for that final piece to push them over the top. But one of their top targets-Boone Jenner-is reportedly staying put in Columbus, forcing Edmonton to adjust on the fly.
For months, Jenner had been a name to watch. A gritty, versatile forward with leadership chops, he checked a lot of boxes for a team with Stanley Cup aspirations. But with the Blue Jackets expected to engage in contract talks with Jenner’s camp during the Olympic break, it looks like he’s off the trade board-barring a major shift in negotiations.
That’s a tough blow for the Oilers, who have become one of the league’s premier destinations. When you’ve got Connor McDavid centering your top line and Leon Draisaitl anchoring your second, it’s not hard to attract attention.
Edmonton has made back-to-back trips to the Stanley Cup Final, and they’re clearly in win-now mode. A veteran like Jenner, who brings playoff-ready experience and positional flexibility, would’ve been a seamless fit.
But now, with Jenner likely staying in Columbus, Edmonton has to pivot-and quickly.
Enter Bobby McMann
If there’s a silver lining here, it’s that there are still quality options available. One name that makes a lot of sense: Bobby McMann of the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Now, let’s be clear-McMann isn’t Boone Jenner. He doesn’t carry the same weight as a center or the same level of experience.
But he brings a similar toolkit: he’s physical, responsible in his own zone, and can slot in up and down the lineup. This season, he’s shown he can hang in Toronto’s top six, and that kind of versatility is exactly what the Oilers could use heading into the stretch run.
McMann also comes with a much more manageable cap hit-$1.35 million-which gives Edmonton some flexibility if they want to make multiple moves before the March 6 trade deadline. And with a potential extension unlikely to break the bank, he’s a player who could help now and stick around beyond this season.
There’s also a bit of a homecoming angle here: McMann’s an Alberta native. That might not be the deciding factor, but it certainly doesn’t hurt when you’re trying to find players who’ll buy into the culture and the mission.
What’s Next?
With Jenner out of the picture, Edmonton’s front office will need to act fast. The market is fluid, and the closer we get to the deadline, the tighter the window becomes. But if they can land someone like McMann-who brings energy, versatility, and a team-first mindset-they’ll be in solid shape.
The Oilers don’t need a blockbuster. They need the right fit. And with Jenner off the board, Bobby McMann might just be the kind of under-the-radar addition that helps push them over the hump.