Waddell: Blue Jackets' Jenner, Voronkov 'out a while'

Columbus Blue Jackets forwards Boone Jenner and Dmitri Voronkov will start the 2024-25 season on injured reserve, and general manager Don Waddell doesn't expect to see either player back in action soon.

"It's gonna be a while, for sure," Waddell told The Athletic's Aaron Portzline. "Boone is going to see another specialist next week. But they're both going to be gone for a while, for sure."

While Waddell wouldn't divulge specific timelines, sources told Portzline their absences could be months rather than weeks.

Jenner was injured in practice Friday after crashing into the boards. The Blue Jackets captain notched 35 points in 58 games last season and is entering his 12th campaign with the organization.

Voronkov was injured in Columbus' exhibition clash with the Pittsburgh Penguins on Thursday. He notched 18 goals and 34 points in 75 games in his rookie campaign last year.

The Blue Jackets open their season Oct. 10 against the Minnesota Wild.