The Edmonton Oilers are expected to pursue a trade for another team’s captain ahead of the deadline. Edmonton, despite hovering near the top of the Pacific Division standings, will look to make moves in the coming weeks. Defensive issues continue to plague the club throughout the 2025-26 season, but they could also add a forward or two.
One specific forward being linked with the Oilers is Columbus Blue Jackets captain Boone Jenner. NHL insider David Pagnotta discussed the potential move on a recent appearance on Hello Hockey with Tom Gazzola and Shawn Belle. Pagnotta even admitted that the center would be an ideal fit in Edmonton.
“We’ve talked about this for a good chunk of the season that Boone Jenner is going to be a target for a team like the Edmonton Oilers,” claimed Pagnotta. “He’d be a perfect fit for them if the Jackets get to a point where they’re going to try to move him. They’re not there yet.”
The situation could take some time to pan out. Columbus is currently at the bottom of the Metropolitan Division, but just six points outside of the playoffs. Several teams around the NHL, including the Jackets, believe that it is too early to give up on the season. As a result, the Oilers will have to be patient in their chase of Jenner.
Edmonton Oilers may have to Wait Until February to Make Move for Boone Jenner
GettyBoone Jenner has struggled with injuries throughout his stellar career.
Pagnotta, however, has picked out a potential timeframe for the Jackets to decide on their captain. The insider believes that Columbus will talk to Jenner and their other pending free agents during the Olympic break in February. If these discussions do not result in an extension, the team will then listen to offers for its players.
“If they feel they can’t sign these guys, then there’s a chance, assuming they’re not directly in the wildcard race, that they’re going to look to move those guys after the Olympic break,” continued Pagnotta. “I don’t get the sense that anything’s now.”
Jenner is currently in the final year of his $3.75 million AAV contract in Columbus. The center, who has been his team’s captain since the 2021-2022 season, has 19 points in 27 games in 2025-26. Although he has missed several games due to injury, Jenner’s current .70 points per game average is a solid figure. In fact, it equals Florida Panthers star Carter Verhaeghe and San Jose Sharks winger William Eklund.
Oilers Seemingly Not Worried About Jenner’s Past Injuries
Despite his leadership and points tally, Jenner has struggled with injuries throughout his career. Before his most recent shoulder issue, the center also previously missed time with back problems and even a fractured jaw. As a result, Jenner has not played more than 70 regular-season games in a year since the 2018-19 campaign.
Nevertheless, it does not seem as if Edmonton is scared off by the player’s injury woes. Financially, the Oilers could make the move work despite not having much current cap space. The team is currently shopping Andrew Mangiapane and moving his $3.6 million AAV would almost cover Jenner’s salary. Edmonton could essentially swap Mangiapane for Jenner in the coming weeks.
Oilers Named ‘Perfect Fit’ for Veteran on Trade Block