Where do Blue Jackets fit into playoff picture with Werenski staying?
It’s been turmoil-filled offseason for the Columbus Blue Jackets, but it appears that cooler heads have prevailed between the team’s front office and reigning Norris Trophy-winning defenseman Zach Werenski.
After much speculation that Werenski had requested a trade and wanted out, and an accepted trade to the Dallas Stars nixed by the Stars defenseman, both player and team put out statements on Wednesday confirming that Werenski wants to return to the team next season.
For a team that nearly made the Stanley Cup Playoffs this season and was staring down the barrel of another long rebuild if Werenski forced his way out, it’s huge news for Columbus and their hopes of continuing to build a competitive team under new head coach Rick Bowness.
On Thursday’s episode of Daily Faceoff LIVE, host Tyler Yaremchuk and co-host and former NHL goaltender Carter Hutton discussed whether or not the Blue Jackets have a strong chance to push for a playoff spot now that Werenski will remain in the lineup.
Tyler Yaremchuk: One guy that is not moving, though, that is Zach Werenski. This came down the chute just a little bit after we ended our marathon show yesterday, but the Columbus Blue Jackets releasing dual statements from Don Waddell and Zach Werenski, and the Werenski one is pretty interesting… He ends it by saying, ‘Don and I are completely aligned on that and are excited about what’s to come with our team…’ People are comparing… Brady Tkachuk and Quinn Hughes said they weren’t going to leave either. This feels different to me.
Carter Hutton: It does feel different, and I understand what they’re saying. Now that the trade didn’t go through, you have to say face so he comes out and says that and now where they’re at, but for me the factor of he’s just kind of putting them on the clock, right? I think that’s a fair assessment of a team that’s missed the playoffs six seasons in a row, and he’s been so productive throughout his career in Columbus. They’re kind of in this middle ground, too when you look at this roster and where they’re at, are they really getting better? I think they’re going to have to have a big step forward from Fantilli… They bring in Nichushkin which is a solid pickup to go with Marchenko up front… But for Werenski, when you’re sitting there after the Olympics and you’re watching all of his teammates… They come back, and everybody wants to win. I think Werenski’s going to be true to his word, he’s going to give them their window. He’s just saying if it doesn’t start moving forward, I’m going to want to get out of here, Ty.
Tyler Yaremchuk: That’s the next part of this conversation looking at this Blue Jackets team… I just still look at this team, and I’m not sure if they’re anything more than middling, than average. I have a lot of sympathy for that fan base. I think it’s one of the more underrated fan bases in the league. Jet Greaves, that’s a difference maker, right? He’s a guy who I think he’s a good enough young goalie that he can keep you in the fight… I look at the Eastern Conference, and I kind of go Washington missed last year. They’re going to be better, they’re going to be in the conversation. Florida, Toronto both missed last year. They’re going to be in the conversation.
You can watch the full segment and the rest of the episode below…