For years, Boone Jenner has been the steady anchor of the Columbus Blue Jackets, a captain known for grit, leadership, and work ethic. Entering the 2025-26 season, Jenner faces perhaps his toughest challenge yet: guiding a young core and helping turn potential into results.
With the NHL schedule now set, the Blue Jackets have a path filled with rivalry matchups, long road swings, and a closing stretch that will test their ability to stay consistent from start to finish.
Opening tests before home ice
Columbus begins the year with road games at Nashville on October 9 and Minnesota on October 11 before returning to Nationwide Arena for the home opener against New Jersey on October 13.
Those first games will be about more than points in the standings. They will give Jenner and the team an opportunity to set the tone for what they hope is a more competitive season in the Metropolitan Division.
Key games to watch
October 29 vs. Toronto (NHL Net): A national spotlight where Jenner’s two-way game and faceoff strength will be on display.
November 28 vs. Pittsburgh: A heated divisional matchup that always carries extra weight for fans and players alike.
January 20 vs. Ottawa: A clash with another young, rebuilding club that has followed a similar path.
April 12 vs. Boston: A late-season home game against one of the East’s strongest teams that could influence playoff positioning.
Jenner’s role with the core
The Blue Jackets’ future depends heavily on the development of younger players such as Adam Fantilli and Kent Johnson, along with steady play on the back end from Zach Werenski. Jenner’s role as captain will be to provide stability in the face of adversity, while also contributing his trademark energy shift after shift. Winning key faceoffs, matching up against top opponents, and keeping the locker room focused will be critical responsibilities throughout the season.
Surviving the road grind
The Jackets’ schedule features several difficult stretches, including a Western Canada swing in November and a California and Colorado trip in January. Those long road stretches will test the team’s depth and focus, and Jenner’s leadership in keeping the group grounded will be key to avoiding costly losing streaks.
MORE: Canadiens eye deeper playoff push with 2025–26 schedule in place
The stretch run at Nationwide Arena
Columbus will close the season with five of its final seven games on home ice, including matchups with Winnipeg on April 4, Boston on April 12, and Washington on April 14. If the team remains in contention, those games could serve as defining moments of the season and opportunities for Jenner to lead by example in front of the home crowd.
A defining season
The 2025-26 season represents more than just another year of development for Columbus. It is about showing real progress toward playoff contention and proving that the foundation of the roster is capable of competing in the Metropolitan Division.
As captain, Boone Jenner will be at the heart of that effort. His leadership, consistency, and presence will go a long way in determining whether this season becomes the step forward the Blue Jackets and their fans have been waiting for.
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