NHL insider Frank Seravalli recently discussed the situation in Columbus, where the Blue Jackets are dealing with more than a few internal roster issues. The first is Adam Fantilli, who remains out of camp, waiting for a contract extension he sees as fair. Meanwhile, Kirill Marchenko is not ready to commit to staying in Columbus past the end of his current contract. Finally, even Zach Werenski, who looked like he pivoted toward staying with the Blue Jackets, isn’t fully prepared to commit.
Seravalli writes in a recent column for Casino Guru that the Fantilli and Marchenko issues are more pressing, but the Werenski situation isn’t without concerns. He writes:
“Then there is Zach Werenski, a still simmering situation which he has tried (and succeeded) to keep a lid on, but talk is cheap. The proof will come if the reigning Norris Trophy winner is willing to re-sign when eligible next summer. Sources reiterated that Werenski’s internal stance has not changed: If the Blue Jackets forced an answer today on an extension, they would not like the non-committal reply.”
Clearly, this is not good news for the Blue Jackets. As Heavy on NHL writes, “Fantilli, Werenski and Marchenko are supposed to be the foundation of the franchise. Yet each situation has generated questions about whether those players will ultimately want to remain in Columbus.” Of course, being non-committal does not mean Werenski is definitely leaving. It just means he hasn’t made up his mind yet.
The reality is, Werenski may not know what to do until he sees what happens with the other two players or how the team fares this season. If it’s another losing season and both Marchenko and Fantilli are gone, the likelihood that Werenski stays long-term is much lower. If both stay and the Blue Jackets are competitive, Werenski might commit. He wants to be a Blue Jacket. He just needs a good reason to stick around.
As for where Fantilli and Marchenko sit, things aren’t close with Fantilli and Eliotte Friedman said on the 32 Thoughts Podcast, about Marchenko: “Depending on who you talk to, you get different opinions on wether or not Columbus really wants to do this and especially now. I think most people believe that Columbus wants to start the season and go and then decide what they want to do…”
Next: NHL Trade Talk Recap: Oilers, Maple Leafs & Canadiens Confusion
Discover more from NHL Trade Talk
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
More News
