Columbus Blue Jackets Trade Rumor: Werenski Could Land in Anaheim or Carolina

Columbus Blue Jackets fans are hearing that defenseman Zach Werenski is unlikely to re‑sign, and trade talks have the Anaheim Ducks and Carolina Hurricanes circling the $57.5 million contract. The Blue Jackets sit 11th in the Eastern Conference with a 40‑30 record and a two‑game losing streak as of July 8, 2026, making the potential move a pivotal roster decision.

Which teams are targeting Zach Werenski?

Insiders say the Ducks and Hurricanes have emerged as the most vocal suitors. The Western‑conference Ducks are building a youthful forward core around Leo Carlsson, Beckett Sennecke and Cutter Gauthier, and they see Werenski as the missing piece on the blue line. Meanwhile, the defending Stanley Cup champion Hurricanes view the defenseman as a high‑impact addition that fits their cap‑friendly roster and deep pool of trade assets.

What are the trade rumors saying?

Adam Gretz of Bleacher Report noted the Ducks’ defensive questions and suggested Werenski would create a strong 1‑2 pairing with Jackson LaCombe on the left side. He added that the Hurricanes, with their aggressive front office, could afford the contract and have multiple first‑round picks to sweeten any deal. Both outlets stress that the Blue Jackets have not officially opened negotiations, but the chatter is growing louder each day.

How would the deal affect Columbus?

If the Jackets move Werenski, they would clear roughly $9.5 million in cap space with no dead‑money hit, a rare financial clean‑sheet for a team struggling near the bottom of the conference. That flexibility could allow Columbus to explore younger talent or address depth on the forward wing, though losing a top‑pairing defenseman could hurt their short‑term competitiveness.

What are the implications for the potential landing clubs?

For Anaheim, adding Werenski would be costly and likely require reshuffling existing contracts, but the defensive upgrade could accelerate their playoff push. Carolina, on the other hand, would absorb the salary more easily thanks to their locked‑in core and could pair Werenski with veteran Alex Newhook to bolster their power‑play unit. Both scenarios hinge on how each club balances cap space with the desire to win now.

What comes next for the Blue Jackets?

The next few weeks will reveal whether Columbus entertains a trade or pushes for a contract extension that satisfies both sides. With the team hovering just outside the playoff picture, any decision will shape the roster for the upcoming season. Fans should watch for official statements from General Manager Jarmo Klemett and head coach Pascal Vincent as the deadline approaches.