Columbus Blue Jackets Considering Trade Offers for Zach Werenski

By Noah Lavoie — 30 June 2026 — 3 min read

The Columbus Blue Jackets are reportedly considering trade offers for defenceman Zach Werenski, who recently won a Norris Trophy. Werenski’s current contract includes a full no-movement clause and has two years remaining. Reports indicate that the Blue Jackets believe Werenski is unlikely to sign an extension to remain in Columbus, prompting them to explore trade opportunities to acquire assets before he potentially enters free agency.

Werenski’s performance in the 2025-26 season included scoring 22 goals and 81 points in 75 games. He received 113 first-place votes for the Norris Trophy, surpassing Colorado‘s Cale Makar and Buffalo‘s Rasmus Dahlin for the best defenceman award. He led the Blue Jackets in assists, points, and points-per-game, while finishing third in goals. Werenski also became the tenth defenceman in NHL history to lead his team in scoring in consecutive campaigns, having previously recorded 82 points in the 2024-25 season.

Potential Destinations for Werenski

Several teams have been mentioned as potential landing spots for Werenski. Early reports suggest that the Dallas Stars, Philadelphia Flyers, and Carolina Hurricanes have shown particular interest. However, Werenski’s no-movement clause means he will have significant control over his destination.

During an episode of Daily Faceoff LIVE, hosts Jonny Lazarus and Carter Hutton discussed the most likely teams to acquire Werenski this offseason. Hutton suggested the Tampa Bay Lightning as an obvious fit, noting that joining a team like Tampa Bay would instantly position Werenski as a contender. Hutton also mentioned that Toronto has been in the mix, indicating that multiple teams are expected to pursue the defenceman.

Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet also commented on the situation, mentioning on the 32 Thoughts podcast that Werenski is available and identified several potential trade destinations. Friedman noted that Werenski would likely want to join a team with a strong chance to win. Any team acquiring him would need to convince him of their long-term competitive prospects, especially given the remaining term on his contract.

Toronto’s Interest and Cap Space

The Toronto Maple Leafs are among the teams that Friedman believes will inquire about Werenski. The Maple Leafs currently hold significant cap space, which could enable them to make a substantial acquisition to strengthen their defensive left side. Friedman pondered the value of a potential return package from Toronto, contrasting it with an offer from the Dallas Stars.

Werenski’s current contract, signed in July 2021, is a six-year deal. He has spent his entire career with Columbus, having previously signed a three-year deal in 2019 and an entry-level contract from 2016 to 2019. He was drafted eighth overall in 2015 by Columbus and played his post-draft season with the University of Michigan, where he recorded points in games.

The Maple Leafs have cap space after recent team movements. This financial flexibility positions them to potentially reload their roster and aim for playoff contention. The discussion around a potential trade package from Toronto included the possibility of a large package featuring draft picks and one of Toronto’s young talents, which could also involve a positional swap with a prominent defenceman like Morgan Rielly.

The San Jose Sharks also possess considerable cap space this summer. They are also looking to improve their roster, with four defencemen set to become available in the market. The Sharks’ situation, however, raises questions about their current competitive standing and whether they could convince Werenski that they are the right team to join.

The Dallas Stars, another team reportedly interested, recently signed Thomas Harley to an eight-year extension. While the Stars are considered a strong fit, the potential implications for Harley’s role after committing to the team for eight years would need to be considered. The Blue Jackets, who are close to playoff contention in the Eastern Conference, would ideally seek a top-tier defenceman in return for Werenski.

Werenski’s full no-movement clause remains in effect until the end of next year.

Source: tsn.ca