The ideal Leafs center is sitting in Columbus, and Toronto boxed themselves out
Photo credit: Aaron Doster-Imagn Images
The Columbus Blue Jackets present a trade opportunity for the Toronto Maple Leafs to potentially take.
The Toronto Maple Leafs have been linked to a few names that would bolster their offense through a slow start to this season.
While several top names floated as possible fits for the Toronto, one name has emerged as a player to which the Leafs have genuine interest in.
According to a report from David Pagnotta of 'The Fourth Period', the Toronto Maple Leafs have interest in Columbus Blue Jackets forward Boone Jenner.
Pagnotta linked Jenner to the Leafs earlier this month, but has noted that Toronto's limited trade capital could complicate any pursuit.
Jenner, The Blue Jackets captain, is Columbus' longest serving player, having spent 12 seasons with the team since 2013, drafted by Columbus in the third round of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, 37th overall.
How Boone Jenner's game checks the boxes the Maple Leafs keep talking about
Boone Jenner could provide some essential assistance for the Leafs bottom-six, and add some much needed help in specific areas.
Jenner is a reliable faceoff taker, consistently a 50% and above from the dot, as well as someone who can play on the penalty kill.
As well, Boone Jenner is a physically mature forward who can forecheck and has been viewed as a strong locker room presence.
Currently, the 32-year-old Jenner has three goals and 10 points in 16 games this season for Columbus.
The one question mark for the Leafs is Jenner's injury history. Toronto has already been plagued by injury this season at forward with players such as Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies having been injured.
Jenner has not played a full 82 game season since 2016-17, asidd he played the full 70 game COVID-shortened 2019-20 season,
Earlier this November, Jenner was placed on injured reserve by Columbus with an upper-body injury.
What a Boone Jenner trade could really cost Toronto
The Toronto Maple Leafs may have a tough ask from Columbus for Jenner despite his past injury concerns.
As the team's captain and longest serving member, he represents the heart of the Blue Jackets locker room, and Columbus may not be ready to sell their leader except for the right price.
The cost of a player such as Easton Cowan might be considered steep for Jenner, although David Pagnottapreviously reported earlier this week that Cowan wasn't a player Toronto was looking to trade, along with Ben Danford.
As Pagnotta noted, Toronto has a lack of assets, having traded their first round picks in 2026 and 2027, and with Cowan and Danford off the table meaning even less of value.
Depending on how much the Leafs value Jenner as a player, Toronto would have to consider Boone Jenner's health and fit before they reconsider their stance.
TRENDING NOW
