Columbus Blue Jackets forward Boone Jenner is facing a long road to recovery after undergoing shoulder surgery that could potentially keep him out of action for up to six months. The surgery, which took place in Vail, Colorado, was necessary to repair an injury Jenner sustained during a practice session on October 4th. This unfortunate setback is a significant blow to the Blue Jackets, as Jenner was expected to play a key role in the team’s lineup this season.
The President of Hockey Operations and General Manager of the Blue Jackets, Don Waddell, expressed optimism about Jenner’s recovery process, stating that the team hopes to have him back on the ice before the end of the season. However, Waddell also emphasized the importance of not rushing Jenner’s return to action, prioritizing his long-term health and well-being.
Jenner, who is 31 years old, was a key contributor to the Blue Jackets’ offense last season, finishing as the team’s fourth-highest scorer with 22 goals and 35 points in 58 games. His absence will undoubtedly be felt by the team, but Waddell expressed confidence in the leadership group and the ability of other players to step up in Jenner’s absence.
In more positive news, forward Dmitri Voronkov is on track to return to the lineup by the end of November after avoiding the need for surgery on an upper-body injury. This will provide a much-needed boost to the Blue Jackets’ forward depth as they look to navigate through Jenner’s extended absence.
With over $20 million in cap space available, the Blue Jackets have the flexibility to explore options for adding depth to their roster, especially up front. The team was granted an exemption to start the season below the official cap floor of $65 million following the tragic deaths of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau in August.
As the Blue Jackets prepare to face off against the Minnesota Wild in their season opener, they will be looking to overcome the adversity of Jenner’s injury and start the season on a positive note. The team will need other players to step up and fill the void left by Jenner’s absence, showcasing the depth and resilience of the Blue Jackets’ roster.