Columbus Blue Jackets superstar defenseman Zach Werenski is fresh off winning the Norris Trophy for the primary time in his profession — but speculation about his future in Ohio continues to grow.
Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman reported earlier this week that the Blue Jackets plan to fulfill with Werenski after the draft to debate his future with the franchise.
The Olympic gold medallist has two years remaining on his current contract and may sign an extension as soon as July 1, 2027.
General manager Don Waddell addressed the trade speculation ahead of the 2026 NHL Draft on Thursday.
“There are some matters we’re coping with that ought to probably stay internal,” Waddell said, per Mark Scheig of The Hockey Writers. “My plan remains to be to fulfill with Zach within the near future and see where he’s at. We’ve had some conversations along with his agent, but there’s been no definitive plan.”
Waddell’s comments represent the primary public response from the organization since reports surfaced suggesting some across the league imagine Werenski could eventually seek a change of scenery.
The chief added: “It really doesn’t affect the draft in any respect, obviously. We’re still attempting to make some deals to make our team higher. Which will include (the) draft pick that now we have at 14. But our goal hasn’t modified from when the season ended. We all know we would like to attempt to be higher and we’re going to proceed to work that. It will play itself out in time.”
Waddell was later asked if he was surprised by how public Werenski’s potential future has change into.
“You say surprised. I’m never surprised when anything happens on this league. But it surely’s something that now we have to take care of and we’ll take care of it.”
Waddell confirmed that there was no formal trade request from Werenski, although recent reports have raised questions on his long-term commitment to the franchise. The Blue Jackets have missed the playoffs in six consecutive campaigns and have won just two postseason series in franchise history.
It is a critical point for Waddell and Columbus, who’ve hung across the last couple of years but have been unable to seek out a option to be considered one of the last eight standing within the Eastern Conference.
Werenski has been the face of the franchise for much of the last decade. Losing the Norris Trophy winner can be a large setback for a Blue Jackets team that’s trying and failing to ascertain itself as a consistent playoff contender.
Columbus Blue Jackets superstar defenseman Zach Werenski is fresh off winning the Norris Trophy for the primary time in his profession — but speculation about his future in Ohio continues to grow. Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman reported earlier this week that the Blue Jackets plan to fulfill with Werenski after the draft to debate his future with the franchise.