Could the Werenski and Blue Jackets situation develop into a talking point again?
Aaron Portzline of The Athletic joined SiriusXM NHL Network Radio Power Play on Monday and was asked concerning the situation involving Zach Werenski and the Columbus Blue Jackets. While things are calm now, this story may not go away if Columbus gets off to a slow start.
NHLRumors.com Transcriptions
NHL Rumors: How the Zach Werenski Situation Blew Up and Calmed Down Quickly
Host: “I’m sure you’ve needed to talk lots about Zach Werenski over the course of this summer, Aaron. Obviously, very much within the news. At one point, it looked like he was gone from Columbus, a minimum of from what we were reading online and a number of the speculation. And clearly a player like that becomes available, any team within the league can be desirous about a Norris Trophy, top-level defenseman. But these guys just don’t develop into available, so the interest from other teams isn’t surprising.
But perhaps the incontrovertible fact that, with a number of the success we saw this 12 months, and also you thought that all the pieces was just going to be good, we run things back over to next 12 months. It appears like that’s where we’re at right away. Are you able to help us understand this timeline of Zach Werenski and perhaps where we’re at right away heading into next season?”
Aaron Portzline: “Yeah, I mean, there’s still some details which are fairly sketchy. Zach has not spoken on to this, aside from the statement that he’s released with the team. So there are some details there to either work out or details which will never be known, but my understanding is that he didn’t ever say to them, “I would love a trade.” Never directly requested a trade.
NHL Rumors: What Will Adam Fantilli Make on His Next Deal in Columbus?
My understanding is that he never said to them emphatically, “I’m out of here in two years.” I believe what was conveyed, perhaps misinterpreted or miscommunicated by some, was that it was discussed how he has two years left, and there could be no guarantee at this point that he’s going to increase. I believe he desires to see this team step up, get into the playoffs, and begin winning within the playoffs.
He has had some success, nevertheless it has been on the international level and within the minor leagues. He won the Calder Cup with the AHL Cleveland franchise. He wants to start out winning within the NHL. So, listen, that is going to be a story that doesn’t quite go to bed. In the event that they’re out of it on the trade deadline, his name’s going to surface if he doesn’t sign an extension next July 1st. His name’s going to be mentioned again for this reason.
But for now, it sure looks like things have settled down. I believe he’s brought lots of fans back into the fold. Lots of people were wondering what they were going to do with their number eight jerseys. But for now, all the pieces seems to have calmed down.”
NHLRumors.com Note: Because the old saying goes from Sportsnet’s Elliott Friedman, it is healthier to resolve your problems than trade your problems. That’s what the Columbus Blue Jackets and defenseman Zach Werenski did. They decided to debate their problems and work out an answer. Columbus GM Don Waddell called Werenski’s bluff when it got here to the trade, given there have been talks with the Dallas Stars.
Zach Werenski Staying in Columbus Now?
Nonetheless, as NHLRumors.com has been reporting, Werenski desires to see improvement from the Blue Jackets. Like a lot of the Team USA players from the Olympics after tasting success by winning the Gold Medal, they need that success within the NHL. It’s a giant season for Columbus as a way to prove to their star defenseman that the Blue Jackets can compete for a playoff spot and have a likelihood to win.
Again, while the story has calmed down for right away, it could get ignited real quick in the course of the season if the Blue Jackets struggle.
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