The Columbus Blue Jackets expected Zach Werenski’s Norris Trophy season to become a foundation for their next step as a franchise. Instead, it has turned into a debate that refuses to settle, with every public comment creating fresh uncertainty about where the organization is headed.
General manager Don Waddell’s latest remarks did little to quiet the noise, leaving fans searching for answers. This uncertainty has now spilled onto social media, where several NHL voices questioned both the timing and the handling of the situation.
Silence From Blue Jackets Only Adds to Zach Werenski Speculation
Werenski found himself at the center of another wave of speculation after The Athletic’s Aaron Portzline reported that Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell plans to meet with the Norris Trophy winner and his agent, Judd Moldaver, after the NHL Draft.
Portzline shared on X, “CBJ GM Don Waddell says there are matters that are best handled internally regarding the Columbus future of Norris Trophy winner Zach Werenski. Meeting after the draft with Werenski and agent Judd Moldaver will help provide clarity.”
Rather than ending the discussion, Waddell’s comments fueled even more debate because he stopped short of dismissing the growing rumors surrounding Werenski’s long-term future.
The defenseman still has two years remaining on his contract, including a full no-movement clause for the 2026-27 season, giving him significant control over any potential move.
NHL Fans and Analysts Question Blue Jackets’ Timing in Werenski Situation
The uncertainty surrounding the meeting soon drew reactions from across the NHL, with many questioning why such an important conversation would wait until after the draft.
NHL analyst Willie Lutz criticized the approach, writing, “Zach Werenski and Don Waddell holding their own team hostage until after the draft. Rather unproductive in ‘the most important offseason in team history.'”
Thomas Welch also questioned the timeline, posting, “Has anyone figured out why Columbus is telling Zach Werenski they’ll talk to him about a destination AFTER the draft? Makes no logical sense to me with all of these trades and 1st round picks being swapped like candy after a hell of a Halloween.”
Others focused less on the timing and more on Waddell’s wording.
Matt Fontana summed up his reaction by sharing a meme that simply read, “Nope. Don’t like that.” Ryan Henkel echoed that concern, writing, “Maybe a nothing burger, but the phrasing does not sound good here.”
NHL writer Jim Biringer connected the latest update to earlier reporting, writing that Werenski “needs to be convinced he can win there.”
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The concern is understandable.
Werenski is coming off an 81-point campaign that earned him his first Norris Trophy, making him one of the league’s most valuable defensemen.
If the upcoming meeting reveals he is unwilling to commit beyond his current deal, Columbus could face a franchise-defining decision while holding one of the NHL’s most coveted trade assets.
