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It was a disastrous year for the Columbus Blue
Jackets. The Jeff Carter, which sent Jakub Voracek to Philadelphia, backfired,
as Carter was unhappy in Columbus months into his stay.
The Jackets dealt him to Los Angeles where he would
win the Stanley Cup.
As big as that trade was, the hockey world was left
wondering when general manager Scott Howson would deal team captain and
superstar Rick Nash, a question that would get its answer in July, when Howson
dealt Nash to the New York Rangers.
Despite receiving Artem Anisimov, Brandon Dubinsky,
Tim Erixon, and a first-round pick, the Blue Jackets will be mired in a rebuild
for the near future.
A key prospect that could develop into a key player
in the National Hockey League is Oshawa Generals captain and center, Boone
Jenner.
Columbus selected Jenner with the 37th overall pick
in the second round of the NHL Entry Draft.
Jenner is coming off a great year with Oshawa. He scored
22 goals and assisted of 27 of them.
The Dorchester, Ontario native has great work ethic.
He is undoubtedly one of the hardest working players among his draft class.
He is a known leader on the ice and in the locker
room, traits, which, Howson is looking for, thanks to Nash's departure.
Jenner brings a good physical presence on the
forecheck and has developed into a solid two-way forward. Moreover, he brings a
willingness to muck and grind in the corners for those loose pucks.
Along with his physicality, Jenner possess a great
shot. He is very accurate, especially with his slap shot. Furthermore, Jenner
can protect the puck very well.
He has first-round talent but fourth round skating.
His skating ability is his biggest weakness, which ultimately limits his
upside.
Returning to Oshawa was a great choice by Jenner and
the Blue Jackets organization. He has collected nine goals and eight assists so
far this season.
His numbers are on track to improve this season and
while he'll miss having Rangers prospect Christian Thomas, guys like Tyler
Biggs, Lucas Lessio and Scott Laughton will complement his style perfectly.
I do not see Jenner being a premiere center with
Columbus. However, he can fill the role of a second or third line center
perfectly.
Tomorrow on the Prospect Preview, we will talk about
Washington Capitals prospect Jaynen Rissling.
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