For months, the narrative seemed written in stone. The Columbus Blue Jackets, rebuilding and looking to the future, would inevitably trade captain Boone Jenner to a contender at the deadline. The Edmonton Oilers, desperate for a rugged third-line center to bolster their playoff rotation, were widely viewed as the perfect landing spot. It was a match made in hockey rumor heaven.
But in the NHL, things change fast.
Columbus Blue Jackets Surge Changes the Narrative
Just weeks ago, Jenner was considered one of the top rental targets on the market. His affordable $3.75 million cap hit and pending UFA status made him a prime asset for General Manager Don Waddell to flip for futures. However, the Blue Jackets have thrown a wrench into those plans by simply winning hockey games.
Columbus has won nine of their last 10 contests, surging up the standings and effectively removing themselves from “seller” territory. Reports surfacing yesterday indicate that instead of fielding trade calls, the Blue Jackets organization is prioritizing a contract extension for their captain. The upcoming Olympic break (Feb. 4–22) is now viewed as a critical window for Waddell and Jenner’s camp to hammer out a new deal, rather than a time to shop him to the highest bidder.
What This Means for the Edmonton Oilers
This pivot is potentially disastrous news for the Edmonton Oilers. General Manager Stan Bowman has been scouring the market for a “top-nine forward,” specifically targeting a pivot who can win key faceoffs and play a heavy, playoff-style game. Jenner was the prototype for that role.
If Columbus takes Jenner off the board, the center market thins out significantly. While Edmonton surely has a Plan B, few available players offer the specific mix of leadership, grit, and scoring touch that Jenner brings. The Oilers must now wait anxiously through the Olympic break. If extension talks in Columbus stall, the trade chatter will reignite instantly. But if pen hits paper on an extension, Edmonton will be forced to pivot to lesser options with the deadline looming.
The “If” Factor
The door isn’t entirely closed. If the Blue Jackets collapse in the standings immediately following the Olympic break, or if Jenner decides he wants to test free agency, he immediately becomes the #1 trade target on the board again. For now, however, the rumors have shifted from “when will he be traded?” to “how long will he sign for?”
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Stay tuned to NHL Trade Rumor for the latest updates on this developing story.
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