The NHL trade market has already been reshaped by several high-profile developments this summer, and league executives continue to monitor the future of another star player closely.
While his current team remains committed to keeping him as a centerpiece, questions surrounding long-term plans have quietly become one of the league’s biggest storylines. The situation is not about an immediate trade demand, but rather what could happen next if contract discussions fail to progress.
This uncertainty has placed a proven Team USA standout firmly on the radar of rival front offices.
Zach Werenski’s Future Becoming a Major NHL Storyline
The Columbus Blue Jackets continue to insist that Zach Werenski remains committed to the organization, but ongoing speculation around his long-term plans has kept rival teams on alert.
Speaking on TSN OverDrive, LeBrun explained that teams around the NHL are monitoring Werenski’s future because of growing questions about what comes next after his current contract. The Norris Trophy-winning defenseman has two years remaining on his six-year, $57.5 million contract, and league executives recognize that his value may never be higher.
“Now listen, I reported this a couple of times,” LeBrun said. “A lot of teams around the league are keeping a close eye on where that’s headed with Zach Werenski.”
LeBrun stressed that no formal trade request has been made. “He has not officially asked for a trade. I think that’s important to note,” LeBrun said.
However, the insider also revealed that discussions regarding Werenski’s long-term future are taking place behind the scenes. According to LeBrun, “There are certainly indications that he and his camp, his agent Judd Moldaver, are having conversations about what the future looks like.”
The timing is significant.
Werenski cannot sign an extension until July 1, 2027 (just like Brady Tkachuk), leaving Columbus with a potentially difficult decision if it becomes clear he does not intend to remain with the organization beyond 2028.
LeBrun suggested that a message could eventually be delivered to the Blue Jackets, indicating that an extension may not be in the cards.
“I think it’s certainly very possible that at some point before the end of the summer, it’s communicated, maybe to Columbus, that, ‘Hey, we’re still going to play hard here, but we don’t think we’re going to sign an extension,'” LeBrun said. “And so that’s why so many teams are keeping an eye on it, because that would be quite an auction in terms of how many teams would want to get in on Zach Werenski. No question about it.”
This possibility helps explain why so many teams are paying attention. Werenski is coming off the finest season of his career, recording 81 points in 75 games while averaging 26:37 of ice time per game. He won the Norris Trophy, earned First-Team All-Star honors, and helped Team USA capture Olympic gold at the 2026 Winter Games.
The recent Brady Tkachuk trade also changed how teams view situations involving franchise players with two years left on their contracts. If Columbus ever reaches the point where moving Werenski becomes necessary, the return would be enormous.
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For now, Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell continues to insist that keeping Werenski remains the organization’s top priority. Still, as LeBrun noted, the possibility of a future decision is enough to keep the rest of the league on high alert.
