Columbus Blue Jackets Franchise Stalwart Signs With Washington

The Columbus Blue Jackets will see one of heir longtime players depart. News emerged that the team has traded team captain and forward Boone Jenner signed a four-year contract with the Washington Capitals worth $23 million for the life of the deal. This works out to an average cap hit of $5.75 million per season and runs to the end of the 2029-30 campaign.

Capitals announce they've signed Boone Jenner to a four-year, $23 million contract (average annual value of $5.75 million)

— Tom Gulitti (@tomgulittinhl.bsky.social) 2026-07-01T20:11:15.802Z

Boone Jenner Signed by Washington Capitals

Jenner has only played for the Blue Jackets across his 13-year NHL career. The Dorchester, Ontario native had 13 goals and 25 assists for 38 points in 67 games in most recent this campaign. He has averaged 16 minutes and five seconds of ice time last season. The 33-year-old had an average Corsi of 49.6 and a relative Corsi of -1.2.

Jenner has 212 goals and 209 assists for 421 points in 808 career games. Columbus originally drafted him in the second round, 37th overall of the 2011 NHL Draft. He was named the team’s captain in October 2021.

The veteran forward has also represented his native Canada on the international level. Jenner won a bronze medal at the 2012 IIHF World Junior Championships. However, he did a gold medal at the 2016 IIHF World Championships in Russia. He was also an NHL All-Star at the 2024 event, which was hosted by the Toronto Maple Leafs.

(Credit Image: © Alex Cave/ZUMA Press Wire)

What It Means

It’s going to be odd seeing Jenner in a different sweater. However, this move gives him a chance to play on a contender. Jenner has been a lifer on this roster, but this is the nature of the hockey business.

The veteran forward is a strong two-way player and can contribute at both ends. However, he can also play in multiple positions and can also be moved up and down the lineup.

This move signifies a new chapter for the Blue Jackets. General manager Don Waddell is having to make some hard moves, and this seems like one of the hardest ones that he can make by letting Jenner walk away to a divisional rival.

Main photo by: Russell LaBounty-Imagn Images