For part of our preview of the Penguins vs. Columbus Blue Jackets series, we profile a couple of important but perhaps lesser known players that may be the difference between winning and losing.
Name: Boone Jenner
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 208 lb.
Born: June 15, 1993 (20 years old)
Drafted: 2nd Round (37th overall), 2011
2013-14 stat line: 72 games played, 16 goals, 13 assists, 45 penalty minutes, +6 (+/-)
2013-14 stats vs Penguins: 3 GP, 1A, +1 (+/-)
2013-14 5v5 Advanced Stats: 50.2 CF%, +0.2% Corsi Relative, 101.4 PDO
Player detail (via The Hockey News Player Page)
| Assets: | Owns impressive two-way upside from the center position, plus a good frame (6-1) and some leadership qualities that add even more value to his overall package. |
| Flaws: | Must fill out his frame in order to become a great two-way center in the Rod Brind'Amour mold. Must also prove himself as a goal-scorer at the highest level. |
| Career Potential: | Talented two-way center with good upside. |
2013-14 Blue Jackets player usage, via Extra Skater
Analysis: Booner Jenner is an average possession player, but not expected to be dazzling offensively, as he is the definition of a two-way player. He is known for having an underrated shot but unmatched work ethic. He is tough to beat on the boards and great at creating space for his teammates in the offensive zone.
Most common linemates: Jenner has spent most of his time this season on a line with Ryan Johansen, and has played quite well. The two of them combining for 90+ points this season, at age 20, and 21, respectively, is impressive and I would look for them to be a good chunk of the offense created by Columbus against the Penguins.
Why you should know who he is: Jenner will be an important player, because he could be the "Scott Hartnell" or "Wayne Simmonds" of the Blue Jackets- that pesky winger that can score goals and get under the skin of the Penguin players. Jenner is a fast, spirited young player and one that Penguin fans will not like by the time this series ends.
How the Pens can stop him: Having a player like Olli Maatta matching Boone Jenner is a good recipe. Maatta keeps his gap control very well, and keeping Jenner from gaining speed into the zone and getting clean looks and shots on goal are key to keeping him off the scoresheet.