Columbus Blue Jackets
· 2026-06-27
The Columbus Blue Jackets are assessing trade offers for Zach Werenski, the NHL's reigning Norris Trophy winning defenseman, according to reports.
The situation appears to be progressing as the 2026 NHL Draft unfolds in Buffalo, New York, with the Blue Jackets drawing immediate interest in Werenski from multiple teams.
The team is currently 11th in the Eastern Conference with a 40-30 record, on a L2 streak.
Citing unnamed sources, TSN reported that Blue Jackets president/general manager Don 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.
And this development comes after recent speculation that Werenski could make a trade request this summer.
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.
The Blue Jackets' best deal could be now versus waiting a year, according to TSN's Pierre LeBrun.
So the team will have to weigh its options carefully in the coming days.
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.