Columbus Blue Jackets
· 2026-07-02
Columbus Blue Jackets president/general manager Don Waddell and star defenseman Zach Werenski addressed trade rumors, with Werenski committing to the team.
The Blue Jackets are currently 11th in the Eastern Conference with a 40-30 record, on a L2 streak.
Werenski reportedly rejected a trade to the Dallas Stars, with his preferred landing spots being the Tampa Bay Lightning or Toronto Maple Leafs.
Don Waddell and Werenski met on July 1 to discuss the star defenseman's future with the team.
Werenski's commitment to the team is a significant boost, as he is a key player and a reigning Norris Trophy winner.
The Blue Jackets have struggled in recent seasons, but with Werenski on board, they aim to return to the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Waddell and Werenski will work together to improve the team, with the goal of winning a Stanley Cup.
The Blue Jackets will need to make some moves to strengthen their roster, but with Werenski's commitment, they have a solid foundation.
Werenski stated that he wants to win and do it in Columbus, where he has been for the past 10 years.
He loves his teammates and coaches, and is looking forward to getting the team back into the playoffs.
Waddell said that Werenski has invested a great deal in the organization and wants to win in Columbus.
The team's goals, from ownership on down, are the same as Werenski's - to win now and return to the Stanley Cup Playoffs.