Maple Leafs Make Significant Trade Offer for Zach Werenski

The Toronto Maple Leafs have trade interest in Norris trophy winner Zach Werenski, and after the Columbus Blue Jackets defenceman recently blocked a trade to the Dallas Stars, all eyes are on the Maple Leafs to get this done.

Werenski and Auston Matthews are best of friends and the two would love a chance to suit up together again. Werenski informed the Blue Jackets he's not interested in signing another contract extension, and with two years left on his deal at just over $9 million AAV, Werenski will be dealt in the coming days.

As far as the trade offer goes, the Leafs are willing to move Matthew Knies for Werenski straight up, but they aren't interested in packaging Easton Cowan along with Knies. The expectation is that Toronto offered Knies, prospect Ben Danford and their 2027 first-round pick, but at this time, the Blue Jackets are still listening to offers.

The Tampa Bay Lightning appear to be the only other team Werenski will play for, which certainly ties the hands of Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell. The New Jersey Devils are a dark horse team as well, as they have the trade assets to get a deal done, but it's up to Werenski on where he wants to play.

Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman recently commented on Werenski's future and had this to say:

First, Werenski himself: The most important thing is that cooler heads prevail. One rumour making the rounds Tuesday night is that Werenski’s camp is so upset at recent developments that all trade possibilities will be rejected. (I absolutely believe that’s part of what happened with Dallas.) But that might be short-term hot-headedness, as opposed to realistic long-term outcome. We’ll see.

An intriguing day ahead. The D market is wild. Toronto is “all-in” on Werenski. Carolina is still working on Carlson while considering Nikishin trade options. Plus, Chicago is eager to drop what is expected to be a 6 year deal on Bowen Byram at $12.5 mil per. Fun times.

— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) July 1, 2026

I don’t think Toronto will fool around. The Maple Leafs will step up and take their swing. (Werenski and wife Odette’s roots are not difficult travel to Toronto, which is believed to be a reason he’d consider the Maple Leafs.) I’d be very curious to see what Tampa offers. If Florida wants to trade a legitimate player from its roster, the Panthers could be a player, too. As Michael Keaton once said: “You wanna get nuts? Come on! Let's get nuts!”