Carolina Hurricanes

True Cost of a Werenski Trade: 3 Frontrunners Already Emerging

There are at least 12 teams going to be interested in a Zach Werenski trade, with three frontrunners emerging. But what is the true cost?

by
NHL Trade Talk
June 27, 2026

This in from TSN and NHL insider Pierre LeBrun: “There will be at least a dozen teams who will inquire over time but some early teams to monitor with interest in Zach Werenski: Dallas, Carolina and Philadelphia.”

He adds, “Nothing imminent, but the Blue Jackets have started listening to teams calling on Zach Werenski, sources confirm. The CBJ are aware that the Norris Trophy winner is unlikely to extend past his deal. No guarantee he’s dealt this summer but Jackets’ best deal could be now versus waiting a year. We’ll see how it develops.”

There are other teams, as LeBrun mentioned, who will be looking at this. The Toronto Maple Leafs will push hard, and it is expected that the Tampa Bay Lightning will like to get in the mix. Honestly, who wouldn’t want in?

The Blue Jackets will get a haul for Werenski. As Aaron Portzline of The Athletic points out, “Trading Werenski, 28, is a nightmare scenario for the Jackets, but they may also realize that his value — he’s the reigning Norris Trophy winner, and he has two years remaining on his contract — may never be higher.” More teams will arguably be in on him than any other defenseman who could have hit the market. His cap hit at $9.58 million is manageable for most teams. And for those clubs who can’t afford it, he’s the kind of player you make room for.

And, in the off chance a team can pull off a massive blockbuster deal, there’s a shot Werenski could be part of a package that includes winger Kirill Marchenko. He, too, has let the Blue Jackets know he’s unlikely to extend in Columbus beyond his current contract.

The True Cost of Werenski

This Werenski story is only just starting to get interesting. For any team that is looking at him, he changes things for an entire roster. This is a player you build around. It’s also a player you have to know is going to cost $15 million or more per season for in the next couple of years.

You don’t make this trade if you first, can’t afford the asking price. Second, don’t think you can get him signed, or are unwilling to, at one of the highest AAVs for a defenseman in the NHL. How many teams does that remove from the running? Probably 10 of the 32 teams in the NHL. Another 10 won’t be on Werenski’s radar. Realistically, that leaves about 12 teams as real possibilities.

Next: NHL Trade Talk Recap: Ducks, Blues, Canadiens, Blue Jackets & Canucks