The cat is apparently out of the bag now with Zach Werenski and the Blue Jackets.
According to reports, the Jackets are listening to trade offers for Werenski, the NHL’s reigning Norris Trophy winning defenseman. After recent speculation that Werenski could make a trade request this summer, the situation appears to be progressing as the 2026 NHL Draft unfolds in Buffalo, New York.
The draft is de-centralized for the second straight year, so Blue Jackets president/general manager Don Waddell and his executive team are headquartered at Nationwide Arena rather than at the draft. Waddell met with reporters June 25, a day before the draft, and said he planned to meet with Werenski following the draft, which concludes June 27 after rounds 2-7.
Not long after the first round began, reports surfaced about the Jackets drawing immediate interest in Werenski from multiple teams.
Citing unnamed sources, TSN reported June 26 that Waddell is listening to opposing general managers now that he’s aware the star defenseman doesn’t want to stay beyond the final two years of his contract.
“Nothing imminent, but the Blue Jackets have started listening to teams calling on Zach Werenski, sources confirm,” TSN’s Pierre LeBrun posted. “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.”
Dispatch Blue Jackets reporter Brian Hedger can be reached at bhedger@dispatch.com
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Report says Columbus Blue Jackets assessing trade offers for Zach Werenski
Reporting by Brian Hedger, Columbus Dispatch / The Columbus Dispatch
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By Brian Hedger, Columbus Dispatch | USA TODAY Network
