Columbus Blue Jackets superstar defenseman Zach Werenski is fresh off winning the Norris Trophy for the first time in his career — but speculation about his future in Ohio continues to grow.
Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman reported earlier this week that the Blue Jackets plan to meet with Werenski after the draft to discuss his future with the franchise.
The Olympic gold medallist has two years remaining on his current contract and can 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 dealing with that should probably stay internal,” Waddell said, per Mark Scheig of The Hockey Writers. “My plan is still to meet with Zach in the near future and see where he’s at. We’ve had some conversations with his agent, but there’s been no definitive plan.”
Waddell’s comments represent the first public response from the organization since reports surfaced suggesting some around the league believe Werenski could eventually seek a change of scenery.
The executive added: “It really doesn’t affect the draft at all, obviously. We’re still trying to make some deals to make our team better. That may include (the) draft pick that we have at 14. But our goal hasn’t changed from when the season ended. We know we want to try to be better and we’re going to continue to work that. This will play itself out in time.”
Waddell was later asked if he was surprised by how public Werenski’s potential future has become.
“You say surprised. I’m never surprised when anything happens in this league. But it’s something that we have to deal with and we’ll deal with it.”
Waddell confirmed that there has been no formal trade request from Werenski, although recent reports have raised questions about 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’s a critical point for Waddell and Columbus, who have hung around the last couple of years but have been unable to find a way to be one of the last eight standing in the Eastern Conference.
Werenski has been the face of the franchise for much of the last decade. Losing the Norris Trophy winner would be a massive setback for a Blue Jackets team that is trying and failing to establish itself as a consistent playoff contender.
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