If Zach Werenski is traded by the Columbus Blue Jackets, at least a dozen teams will be vying for the Norris Trophy-winning defenseman, making offers that rival some of the biggest blockbuster deals in the past couple of years. Teams like the Dallas Stars, Carolina Hurricanes, Philadelphia Flyers, and San Jose Sharks are reportedly ready to make big offers. The Toronto Maple Leafs are also part of the discussion.
“The one Canadian team that the Team USA Olympic gold medal winner might consider, by the way, is the Toronto Maple Leafs.”
It’s an interesting development, given that many might assume that Werenski — a U.S.-born player– would want to stay in the United States. That could give teams like Carolina, Dallas, and Philadelphia an edge.
“Actually I can add to Werenski. So what I was told today, and I think this is via Elliotte, he really only wants to go to the Leafs and play with Auston Matthews, so they’re (the Flyers) not going to get him.”
Zach Werenski Blue Jackets Maple Leafs trade talk
Fans who saw the video online immediately asked, ” What does it mean when he says ‘via Elliotte ‘?” Most assumed he was referring to Elliotte Friedman and a possible conversation he’d had with the NHL insider. Because there are no public reports from Friedman that Werenski’s preference is Toronto, a one-on-one conversation is the only logical explanation.
Still, it’s interesting. Cohen seems convinced that Werenski won’t accept a trade to the Flyers and that he’ll let the Columbus Blue Jackets know he’d prefer the Maple Leafs. If this is even remotely true, it’s huge for Toronto as an organization and in an effort to keep Matthews.
There is a connection and a friendship between Matthews and Werenski, so it’s easy to connect the dots here. The Maple Leafs would also move heaven and earth and anyone not named Matthews to acquire Werenski. Jackson Weber of Trade Talk Sports writes, “A trade return would undoubtedly be hefty and would almost certainly need to include young star winger Matthew Knies. That said, if the Maple Leafs are set on making a quick return to contention during the primes of Matthews and William Nylander, it’s a move they have to seriously consider.”
