Blue Jackets pull no surprise in naming Boone Jenner new captain - The Columbus Dispatch

Gritty, versatile forward becomes seventh player in franchise history to gain the coveted 'C' on his jersey, taking over a role vacated by Nick Foligno.

The Blue Jackets have a new captain.

After an offseason of debate about which player would get Nick Foligno’s vacated ‘C’ attached to his jersey, the answer Tuesday should’ve surprised nobody who’s followed the team the past eight years. Boone Jenner, going into his ninth season NHL season as a Blue Jacket, will now wear it as the team’s seventh captain in franchise history.

Zach Werenski, Oliver Bjorkstrand and Gustav Nyquist will each wear an ‘A’ as alternate captains, rounding out the team’s letter-bearing leadership group.

“We had a lot of discussions as a coaching staff and with management, and while we were in no rush to make a decision regarding the next captain of the Columbus Blue Jackets, it became obvious to all of us that Boone was the right choice,” coach Brad Larsen said in a team release. “He has tremendous character and a work ethic that has earned the respect of his teammates, and he’s been an important part of our leadership group for several years. Zach, Gus and Oliver also have been part of that group and we are fortunate to have these guys lead our team.”

Jenner joined the franchise as a second-round pick in 2011, selected 37th overall. He made his NHL debut two years later and has been a lineup fixture ever since, bringing a mix of hustle, grit and unbending leadership while climbing the ranks of all-time leaders in franchise history.

Jenner, an alternate captain the past six years, ranks among the top 10 career leaders for the team with 1,290 hits (second), 1,261 shots (third), 121 goals (fourth), 20 game-winning goals (fourth), 240 points (sixth) and 21 power-play goals (eighth).

He has also averaged 16:36 in ice time over 530 regular-season games and has scored double-figure goals in six full NHL seasons. He posted 30-plus points in four straight seasons (2015-19), added 8-9-17 in 41 games last season and could be in store for a big year ahead with an increased role following the departures of Cam Atkinson and Nick Foligno.

“It’s something I take a lot of pride in, being a leader,” Jenner said in July, after signing a four-year contract extension that kicks in next year. “The way I want to go about it is just the same as I always do. When you see guys that lead, that have been a big part of a leadership group, it’s an opportunity for myself and (other) guys to step up in that role. It’s a new challenge and opportunity that way for sure.”

He's currently playing the net-front spot on the top power-play unit and scored three goals in the preseason, two on power plays.

Jenner joins Foligno, Rick Nash (2008-12), Adam Foote (2005-08), Luke Richardson (2003-05), Ray Whitney (2002-03) and Lyle Odelein (2000-02) in wearing the ‘C for the Blue Jackets. He was also captain of his junior team, the Ontario Hockey League’s Oshawa Generals, for two years.

Werenski, Bjorkstrand and Nyquist have become integral parts of the Blue Jackets’ core group as well, all signing long-term contracts to stay in Columbus while others departed as free agents.

The Blue Jackets open the season Thursday at Nationwide Arena against the Arizona Coyotes and host the expansion Seattle Kraken on Saturday.

bhedger@dispatch.com

@BrianHedger

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