Blue Jackets' Zach Werenski Could Be Requesting Trade
After Brady Tkachuk forced his way out of Ottawa, it sounds like Columbus Blue Jackets defenceman, and Norris Trophy winner Zach Werenski could be next.
According to TSN's Pierre LeBrun, there's internal conversations ongoing in Columbus about Werenski's future and there's a lot of speculation brewing that he'd like a change of scenery. Werenski has only two years left on his current deal, paying him $9.5 million AAV and he holds a no-movement clause until next summer, when he'll be asked to submit a list of 10 teams he'd approve a move to.
Werenski's eligible to sign a contract extension on July 1, 2027. This past season, the star defenceman appeared in 75 games, scoring 22 goals, and added 59 points, for 81 points. At 28 years old, it would take a massive offer to get the Blue Jackets to bite, however, if Werenski goes down the same route as Tkachuk, it could very well limit exactly where the Blue Jackets could move the blueliner. Tkachuk gave the Senators only four teams he'd be willing to accept a trade to.
The Blue Jackets enter this offseason with over $32 million in cap space, and want to take the next step after a very successful second half. However, interim head coach Rick Bowness commented after the season and mentioned he feels the team has a culture issue and isn't serious about winning in their dressing room.Zach Werenski's future in Columbus could be in question, per @PierreVLeBrun 👀
— BarDown (@BarDown) June 22, 2026
The reigning Norris Trophy winner 163 points over the past two seasons, and has established himself as one of the league's most dominant D-men. pic.twitter.com/bAU0Rk4bTF
Boone Jenner's hitting the open market, and it very well could happen that Werenski isn't far behind leaving Columbus in the dust.
