Toronto enters its first offseason under John Chayka with pressure to improve the roster and return to contention. Free agency could address smaller issues that appeared throughout last season, alongside expected trade activity. Boone Jenner of the Columbus Blue Jackets could fit as a middle-ice option who plays direct hockey, wins faceoffs, finishes checks, and handles tough defensive assignments. He would bolster the bottom half of the lineup, especially at center, as a third-line player who can move up when needed. Keeping John Tavares as the second-line center could preserve his high production while Jenner provides a more affordable alternative to a traditional second-line center. Jenner also brings leadership experience as a long-time captain through difficult seasons.
"There's been some chatter recently about Jenner changing agents ahead of potentially testing the market, and when that starts happening, people around the league usually notice. After spending his entire career with the Blue Jackets, this may be the first real sign that something could change. So, if he does become available, the fit with Toronto is pretty easy to see."
"Jenner isn't a flashy player and never really has been. That's probably part of why he makes sense here. He plays direct hockey, works the middle of the ice, wins faceoffs, finishes checks, and can handle tough defensive assignments. They've spent years trying to round out the bottom half of the lineup with players who bring more edge and reliability, especially at center."
"Most fans think that he should be pushed down to the 3C, but with his production still very high, it makes sense to leave him as the second-line center. In addition, it would allow them to bring in someone like Jenner, who is a cheaper option than a traditional second-line center and spend more money on the blue line."
"There's also the leadership side of it, which Toronto clearly values right now. Jenner has been the captain of the Blue Jackets through some difficult seasons and roster turno"
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