Get to Know the Newest Washington Capital: Boone Jenner

Boone Jenner earned the biggest contract of the Washington Capitals’ free-agent class this offseason, signing a four-year, $23 million deal on July 1, with a $5.75 million average annual value running through 2029-30. The 33-year-old center is another battle-tested veteran who joins Alex Tuch and Jordan Kyrou as newcomers to Washington’s forward group. Here’s a look at Jenner’s 13 seasons with the Columbus Blue Jackets and what we can expect from him when training camp opens this fall. 

A Blue Jackets Staple for Over a Decade

The 6-foot-2, 204-pound forward is a drafting success story after being selected by Columbus with the 37th overall pick in the 2011 NHL Draft. Jenner earned a roster spot out of camp heading into the 2013-14 season, scoring 16 goals and 20 points during 72 regular-season games as a rookie. He also scored five points in six games during his first postseason run at 20.

Two seasons later, Jenner’s teammates showed their respect for the then-23-year-old forward by selecting him as an alternate captain alongside Brandon Dubinsky under Nick Foligno’s captaincy. He responded with a career-high 30 goals over a full 82-game schedule in 2015-16. He repeated his ironman feat on the way to an 18-goal, 34-point campaign the following season, too. 

After six seasons with an “A” on his sweater, Jenner was named Blue Jackets captain ahead of the 2021-22 season. He held that honor for 278 games over the last five seasons. Coincidentally, Jenner’s final game as a Blue Jacket was against the Capitals on April 14, 2026, when he scored Columbus’ only goal in a 2-1 loss to Washington in the final game of the regular season.

Jenner scored 212 goals and 421 points in 808 regular-season games as a member of the Blue Jackets. He departs as Columbus’ franchise leader in games played, holding a 134-game lead over Rick Nash and a 166-game advantage over Zach Werenski.

Jenner scored eight goals and 15 points in 37 postseason games in Columbus. Even after a stunning First Round upset over the Presidents’ Trophy-winning Tampa Bay Lightning squad in 2019, Columbus never got past the second round during Jenner’s career in Ohio. 

Jenner’s First-Time Free Agent Opportunity

Heading into the offseason, Jenner and the Blue Jackets agreed to a divorce after 13 seasons. According to his introductory call with the Capitals on July 3, it was an amicable split that allowed him to explore a new opportunity. 

“It was just timing-wise for myself … both sides, maybe… to go try something new,” Jenner said. “I’ve never been in this spot [being a free agent]. When I did get the call from Washington, it really excited me. It just felt like the right move.”  

Jenner is already familiar with a trio of his new teammates: Pierre-Luc Dubois, Tom Wilson, and Jordan Kyrou. “I played with Pierre-Luc Dubois in Columbus for a few years, so I know him pretty well,” he said. They played 239 games together between 2017-18 and 2020-21. Dubois was traded to the Winnipeg Jets in January 2021 in a deal that brought Patrick Laine and Jack Roslovic to the Buckeye State. 

Jenner told reporters he has met the heavy-hitting Wilson around Toronto.  “Just being from around the same area and being at certain events and stuff together,” he said. “I know him decently well.”

Jenner should also be able to lean on Kyrou as the two experience life as first-time Capitals. “We used to train together in London,” Jenner said. “I was texting with him yesterday (July 2), as well.”

It is roughly an 18-kilometre drive (or 15 miles) from Jenner’s hometown of Dorchester, Ontario, to Canada Life Place, home of the London Knights of the Ontario Hockey League. A drive takes approximately half an hour without traffic on a warm Canadian summer day. 

Boone Jenner’s Fit in Washington 

Jenner brings a physical, blue-collar work ethic that should be a seamless fit on the Capitals’ roster. He is a strong two-way player with the versatility to move up and down head coach Spencer Carbery’s lineup. He can also provide an important net-front presence, which should help improve a 25th-ranked man-advantage unit that operated at a 17.8% success rate last season.

“I’m going to do anything that’s best for the team,” Jenner said. “Whatever that role may be. I’m going to go there, meet everybody, learn how they operate, and where I can fit in. The versatility I can bring can be valuable up and down the lineup. I’m just looking forward to getting there. At the end of the day, I’ll do anything the team needs or asks of me.” 

That is exactly the role Jenner filled for 13 seasons in Columbus. Washington was already going to be a difficult team to play against in 2026-27 after adding more size up front ahead of free agency. With Jenner on board, Carbery and his staff have another invaluable leader with a ton of NHL experience to help ensure Washington returns to the playoff party in 2027.