Blue Jackets to Sit with Zach Werenski and Talk Possible Trade After NHL Draft

There have been rumors about what might happen with Zach Werenski in Columbus this past week. Most wondered if there was any truth to the idea that he might be among the U.S.-born players who are suddenly making it known they want a change of scenery. Nothing had suggested a conversation like that between the defenseman and the hockey club was imminent. That is, until a meeting got booked.

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Elliotte Friedman is reporting that the Blue Jackets and Werenski are scheduled to sit down together after the draft and talk about his future. That could include an extension, or it might include a trade.

Friedman writes, “According to several sources, the Columbus Blue Jackets will meet with Norris Trophy winner Zach Werenski after the draft to discuss his future with the organization. There’s been a lot of noise around Werenski, who has two years remaining on his current contract with the Blue Jackets. They can extend him as soon as July 1, 2027.”

This could be about a new deal and getting things squared away so both sides can put any doubt in the rearview mirror. Friedman wasn’t sure. He added, “But, at a time where trade requests, both public and private, and the fallout from them, have dominated the NHL’s news cycle, speculation intensified that Werenski might be next to declare his intentions for the future.”

Friedman acknowledges that a trade request has not occurred to this point. The Blue Jackets obviously aren’t about to ask him to waive his no-move. But, he does hold a full no-move until next season, when it becomes a modified 10-team trade list. Perhaps the Blue Jackets just want to know — in the same way the Ottawa Senators asked Brady Tkachuk — what his plans are. If Werenski knows he won’t re-sign, it’s better to know now.

Friedman writes, “Werenski’s importance to the Blue Jackets is enormous, and they have to get a handle on where things stand. We should have a clearer picture sometime after Saturday.”

Next: Ottawa Trades No. 9 Overall Pick to Sharks for William Eklund