“There are certainly indications that he and his camp are having conversations about what the future looks like,” said NHL insider Pierre LeBrun about Zach Werenski. The Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman has been the subject of recent trade rumors, not because anyone knows he’s asked for one, but because some believe he might.
The reigning Norris Trophy winner 163 points over the past two seasons, and has established himself as one of the league’s most dominant defensemen. But, like many of the players on Team USA Olympic roster, there’s a trend emerging where the biggest names on the team are either working their way off non-competitive rosters or out of Canada.
LeBrun writes in a recent column for The Athletic, “We’ll see what happens over time with Norris Trophy winner Zach Werenski and the Columbus Blue Jackets. To be clear, he has not asked for a trade, but teams around the league believe that’s coming over the next 12 months.”
Frank Seravalli has added Werenski to his newest trade board. He also says that Werenski hasn’t asked for a trade and likes it in Columbus. But, with two years left on his deal and a hunger to win, his chances of re-signing are very small. Any team that does want to trade for him will need to know he’s going to extend. It will have to be a “wink, wink, nod, nod” kind of deal.
Elliotte Friedman said on the 32 Thoughts podcast, “Friedman: “There have been rumours about [Zach] Werenski…Columbus fans have pushed back hard…. there’s been some noise around Werenski.”
Reports Surrounding a Werenski Trade All Match
Every major insider seems to be saying the same thing. Werenski hasn’t asked for trade, but it feels inevitable that he will. The Blue Jackets would have to pivot into a major-contender status this season for him to consider sticking with them. He’ll get a chance to sign a home run contract in two years and he’ll want to do that on a winner and in a city he also likes.
The Blue Jackets, if they know he’s not staying, may shop him around to see what kind of return is out there.
Next: Risky 2-Time Stanley Cup Championship Goalie Linked to Maple Leafs
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