Zach Werenski trade update is good for Maple Leafs, Lightning, but bad for Stars
- On Friday, the Columbus Blue Jackets began fielding trade inquiries for star Zach Werenski, who prefers to join the Tampa Bay Lightning, according to TSN's Pierre LeBrun.
- Boasting a stellar 2025-26 campaign, the 28-year-old Norris Trophy winner has two seasons left on his $57.5 million contract, carrying a $9.6 million cap hit through 2027-28.
- Werenski invoked his no-movement clause to block a potential trade to the Dallas Stars that would have sent defenseman Thomas Harley to Columbus, per Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman.
- Toronto remains in the running, though the Blue Jackets demand impact players like Matthew Knies rather than draft picks in any potential return package.
- Although trade discussions have accelerated, Columbus General Manager Don Waddell faces no immediate deadline to move Werenski, as reports suggest the defenseman does not intend to re-sign.
24 Articles
24 Articles
Thursday's FTB: John Chayka Goes To Costco
Yesterday started off with a not terribly surprising move: Toronto traded Nick Robertson to PittsburghKyle Dubas, always loyal.Actually it started of with a lot of talk about Zach Werenski. And I was some double digit % of the way to believing. Then it all cooled off. On the Zach Werenski rumors, Maple Leafs GM John Chayka didn’t want to make a comment on specific players but emphasized that they maintained their future flexibility to be in a go…
Werenski 'aligned' with Jackets GM, wants to stay
Zach Werenski, who just won the Norris Trophy as the NHL's top defenseman, ended all drama surrounding his name and trade talks Wednesday, vowing his commitment to the Blue Jackets in a statement, adding "I want to win and I want to do that in Columbus."
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