Zach Werenski reportedly blocks trade to Stars, still considering Leafs, Lightning
There could be real fireworks during the opening day of free agency, and the Toronto Maple Leafs remain prominently involved in discussions about potentially landing a superstar. Zach Werenski reportedly vetoed a trade to the Dallas Stars,
Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reports. The reigning Norris Trophy winner is still considering accepting a potential move to the Maple Leafs or Tampa Bay Lightning, The Athletic’s Chris Johnston reports.
The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun reported on June 27 that Werenski would consider a trade to the Maple Leafs, among other potential suitors, including the Stars, Carolina Hurricanes, Philadelphia Flyers and San Jose Sharks. Dallas and Philadelphia were actively interested, but a potential deal has now been nixed.
Werenski would be a franchise-altering player for the Maple Leafs. Matthew Knies would almost certainly be involved in any trade involving Werenski. Maple Leafs general manager John Chayka has stated that it’s ‘not probable’ the team will trade Knies, although the team will consider any avenue to improve. Werenski certainly constitutes a short-term improvement, and if he were willing to sign a long-term deal, a trade to the Maple Leafs would restore the team among the contenders.
The 28-year-old recorded 22 goals and 81 points in 75 games with the Columbus Blue Jackets last season. He carries a $9.58 million cap hit through the 2027-28 season. Auston Matthews’ contract is also set to expire at the end of the 2027-28 campaign, and if Werenski joins the Maple Leafs, it could certainly improve Toronto’s chances of signing its captain to a long-term pact, with Gavin McKenna and William Nylander as core pieces.
Expect a flurry of activity this week. During Tuesday’s episode of Leafs Morning Take, David Pagnotta listed Boone Jenner, Mason Marchment and Eeli Tolvanen as potential targets for the Maple Leafs, while the team has been rumoured to be interested in Florida Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky. A trade for Werenski would certainly be a franchise-altering move.
Blue Jackets head coach Rick Bowness told reporters that he was shocked by Werenski’s reported unwillingness to re-sign with the Blue Jackets.
“I’m as shocked as anyone that this came up,” Bowness said via NHL.com’s
Bill Price. “I mean, at the end-of-the-year meetings, we looked each other in the eye and had great meetings and gave each other a hug leaving, and all that.”
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