Werenski’s Comments Gave New Context to the Blue Jackets’ Marchment Trade

The Columbus Blue Jackets didn’t say it outright, but the timing of the Mason Marchment trade made the message clear. This was a response — not just to the standings, but to the mood inside the room. Specifically, Zach Wereski’s comments were a wake-up call for the organization, and it was time to make a move.

It was the second big trade on Friday, this one coming in under the NHL roster freeze wire. Call it one of those reactionary, spur-of-the-moment things.

---

As Elliotte Friedman noted in his 32 Thoughts column, Columbus acquired Marchment from Seattle for a second- and a fourth-round pick, a return that slightly exceeded what the Kraken originally paid. On the surface, it was a clean piece of business. Seattle moved on from a fit that never quite worked. Columbus added a proven winger with edge and personality.

But context matters.

Just days earlier, Zach Werenski’s frustration with losing became quite public when he didn’t shy away from sharing his thoughts. He didn’t sugarcoat anything.

“It’s getting old that we keep losing,” Werenski said. “Enough is enough. It’s unacceptable.” He added, “We’re all sick of (losing). At the end of the day, it’s on no one else but us to get ourselves out of it. It is a fine line, but we’re on the wrong side of it more often than not, and like I said, that’s unacceptable.”

The Blue Jackets Got the Message and Made the Trade

Apparently, the Blue Jackets took notice and did what they could to give Werenski and the team a little help.

General Manager (GM) and President of Hockey Operations for the Columbus Blue Jackets, Don Waddell, realized those weren’t throwaway comments by Werenski. They were the words of a leader pushing back against the idea that effort alone is enough. Friedman connected the dots, suggesting Columbus felt the need to act — not because Marchment was suddenly available, but because the room needed a jolt.

That tracks with Waddell’s history. Friedman pointed out that when Waddell was Carolina’s general manager, he chased Marchment hard in 2022 before losing him at the last moment. This is a player Waddell believes in. As lackluster as his season has been in Seattle, Marchment can provide a spark.

Werenski made it clear that the players are tired of being close. The Marchment trade looks like management agreeing — and responding — in the only way it could.

Next: Maple Leafs Fans Want Change — But Deep Down, They Know the Truth