Insider Believes the Maple Leafs Could Appeal to Zach Werenski

While he hasn’t officially requested a trade, Zach Werenski has let the Blue Jackets know that it’s unlikely he’ll be extending in Columbus beyond his current contract.

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That news has shaken up the hockey world, as the 2025-26 Norris Trophy winner has effectively hit the trade market and is drawing interest from just about every team in the league.

TSN insider Pierre LeBrun has already mentioned several American teams—including the Carolina Hurricanes, Dallas Stars, Philadelphia Flyers, and San Jose Sharks—as potential landing spots. However, on Saturday he pointed out that one Canadian club Werenski may be open to joining is the Toronto Maple Leafs.

LeBrun wrote in a recent article for The Athletic:

“The one Canadian team that the Team USA Olympic gold medal winner might consider, by the way, is the Toronto Maple Leafs. Again, we’re going to get to at least a dozen teams by the end of this thing for sure.

Now let’s see how the organization reacts. But all things being equal, I think Werenski is dealt this offseason,”

The 28-year-old Werenski has two years remaining on the six-year, $57.5 million extension he signed with the Blue Jackets in 2021. He racked up 81 points (22 goals, 59 assists) in 75 games played last season.

It’s an extremely interesting development for the Maple Leafs and their fans, and new GM John Chayka will almost certainly be calling—if he hasn’t already—Don Waddell to see what it would take to bring the superstar defenseman to Toronto.

Acquiring Werenski would not come cheap and very likely means surrendering Matthew Knies and more in a return package. That said, with a dynamic offensive winger in Gavin McKenna now in the fold, the Maple Leafs could be more willing to make such a move to round out their blue line and land the true number one defenseman they’ve lacked for so long.

Next: Maple Leafs Trade Brandon Carlo To St. Louis Blues for Two Picks