As if the offseason for the Blue Jackets wasn't difficult enough, they're now going to be without captain Boone Jenner.

Voronkov, at a towering 6-foot-5, delighted the Blue Jackets by committing to an offseason workout regiment that dropped his weight from 240 pounds to 225. He looked quicker in training camp and wasn’t so visibly tired after long practices. He had been alternating between the second and third lines.

Boone Jenner, Dmitry Voronkov injuries created a better opportunity for Kevin Labanc with the Blue Jackets than signing with the New Jersey Devils.

Aaron Portzline of The Athletic reported on Sunday that Captain Boone Jenner is expected to be out long-term, and will start the season on IR. View the original article to see embedded media. GM Don Waddell told The Athletic,

The Columbus Blue Jackets have faced the heartbreaking challenge of filling the void left by the tragic loss of forward Johnny Gaudreau. His absence has created not only an emotional gap for his family and teammates but also a significant void in the Blue Jackets’ lineup.