Zach Werenski Meets With Media & Makes Definitive Statement About His Future
In a stark admission, Norris Trophy-winning defenseman Zach Werenski has seemingly put to rest months of speculation surrounding his future with the Columbus Blue Jackets. He met with the media on Thursday and publicly stated he would have "no issues" being with the team past the end of his current contract, which expires in two years.
The controversy seemed to have settled down over the last month, but Werenski spoke to reporters at Nationwide Arena for the first time since the off-season trade rumors first surfaced, and once again emphasized his love for the city and his willingness to stay in Columbus for the long haul.
I think everyone knows how much I love this city and how much it means to me, and I would have no issues being here for an even longer time.
The 29-year-old defender remains under contract through the 2027-28 season, and would be eligible for an extension next July 1st.
6 weeks after vetoing trade, Werenski says he's in Columbus to stay
The reassuring comments come after a chaotic stretch earlier this summer when reports suggested Werenski was reluctant to commit to an extension due to the team’s six-year playoff drought.
It had even gotten to the point where Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell had actually agreed to a tentative trade with the Dallas Stars on June 30. Werenski vetoed the deal with his full no-move clause, and both sides issued a joint statement reaffirming his intent to stay. At least for now.
But even then, many around the league wondered if the possibility of a trade could resurface this coming season or next summer.
Werenski said the whole thing was a big misunderstanding between team, agent & player.
Werenski says whole situation was 'misconstrued' earlier this summer
“It was tough for about a week there,” he said. “I felt like it was kind of misconstrued a little bit on how I felt."
Raising the standards this season 💪
— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) August 13, 2026
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Werenski recorded 81 points in 75 games last season while logging 26:37 of ice time per night. It was his second straight year cracking the 80-point barrier, and his performance was enough to earn him his first Norris Trophy, following a runner-up finish the year before.
Following the departure of longtime captain Boone Jenner in free agency, Werenski also expressed his willingness to take on the captaincy if called upon.
For Blue Jackets fans, Werenski's latest comments should bring a huge sigh of relief, not to mention some much-needed stability as the club heads into a new season.
"We have to raise our standards and expectations and that starts with myself," added the elite blueliner. "I fully plan on doing that this year, being even a better player, better leader, and a better person for my teammates and for this club and hopefully that just means I'm here even longer."