
Werenski Watch: Eight Teams Circling Columbus as Trade Talk Heats Up
Columbus defenseman Zach Werenski, the Norris Trophy winner who won’t re-sign with the Jackets when his contract ends in 2028, has trade talks starting to pick up. GM Don Waddell is seeking an NHL-player–heavy package (not futures) and has spotlighted eight potential destinations—Philadelphia, Dallas, Carolina, San Jose, Toronto, Boston, Anaheim, and Detroit—each evaluated for fit and return:value. With Werenski’s no-move clause until 2027 (and a 10-team no-trade window after) and Kirill Marchenko’s looming free-agent status, Columbus could pivot to a high-priced, roster-strengthening deal rather than a rebuild, following a Nash-era blueprint of demanding impact players in return.









