‘No definitive plan’ on Werenski’s future in Columbus, GM says
While notable American players like Quinn Hughes and Brady Tkachuk (and possibly Dylan Larkin) have been on the move recently, many wonder if another high-end U.S.-born player might be the next to be traded.
However, his boss isn’t showing his cards.
When speaking to the media on Thursday, Columbus Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell didn’t give much of an update on what the team’s future plans are with defenseman Zach Werenski.
“Two years left [on his contract],” Waddell said. “But just want to get a good sense of where he’s at, and we’ll see how that goes and take it from there.”
Waddell mentioned that he does plan to chat with Werenski soon to discuss the path the two sides should take moving forward, but notes that he doesn’t have a particular agenda.
“I think for right now, there are matters that should stay internal. My plan is to meet with him in the near future. There is no definitive plan as of now.”
While everyone loves the NHL Draft because of the possibility of a blockbuster deal coming around the event, Waddell assured that this weekend’s event won’t have an effect on Werenski’s future with the team.
“The draft does not have an impact on what we will do with [Werenski].”
Werenski is coming off an incredible 2025-26 season. The 28-year-old reached the 80-point mark for the second straight year, posting 22 goals and 59 assists for 81 points. Werenski sat second in the NHL in scoring by defensemen, with his 81 points only trailing Edmonton Oilers defender Evan Bouchard. It led to Werenski winning the Norris Trophy for the first time in his career.
However, with the Blue Jackets not having a definitive direction, and Werenski in the midst of his prime, some have wondered if he’d join the likes of his Team USA mates and request a trade to a contender, as players like Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin and Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck have also done.
In appearing in 642 regular-season games, Werenski has scored 135 goals and 330 assists for 465 points, with another 13 points in 29 postseason games.