Blue Jackets face potential trade of Werenski, Marchenko after contract refusals

Columbus Blue Jackets Trade Buzzer: Werenski & Marchenko Futures in Flux

"Waddell has stated he is not interested in trading Werenski for draft picks and prospects alone; the return must include NHL players who can contribute immediately."

Columbus Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell has opened the trade market on star defenseman Zach Werenski after the player indicated he does not plan to re-sign when his contract expires after the 2027-28 season. Adding to the team’s roster uncertainty, the club has also learned that forward Kirill Marchenko is unlikely to sign a next contract. Marchenko is under contract for the 2026-27 season and will be a restricted free agent after that.

The Trade Mandate

Waddell is prioritizing immediate NHL talent over future assets. Any deal for Werenski must include established players who can contribute to the roster right away, not just draft picks and prospects.

The Shortlist: 8 Potential Destinations

League sources have identified eight teams that meet two key criteria: they possess the established NHL players Columbus requires, and they are considered preferred markets by players.

• Interest: Yes, but a fit is unclear.
• The Sticking Point: Columbus would likely ask for young forwards Porter Martone or Tyson Foerster—players the Flyers consider untouchable.
• Insufficient Offer: A defenseman like Rasmus Ristolainen or Travis Sanheim is not viewed as enough.

• Status Quo: The Stars already have Miro Heiskanen and Thomas Harley, but could still upgrade.
• Potential Package: A deal centered on Thomas Harley (24) who is signed to an eight-year extension starting this season.
• Fit: Harley’s age and contract structure align perfectly with Columbus’s timeline.

• Recent Move: Carolina recently acquired the rights to defenseman John Carlson; signing him may reduce their need for Werenski.
• Return Target: A deal would likely include RFA defenseman Alexander Nikishin.
• Complication: Columbus may also desire a young forward, but Carolina’s top prospects may be untouchable. Trading within the Metropolitan Division could inflate the asking price.

• Cap Space: The Sharks have significant cap room and a clear need on defense.
• Assets: They have the prospect depth to send an up-and-coming star to Columbus.
• Risk: Werenski may not see the Sharks as an immediate contender, which could be a deterrent.

• The Pitch: A possible reunion with Team USA teammate Auston Matthews.
• Proposed Return: The package could center on Matthew Knies, plus Easton Cowan and a first-round pick.
• Risks: Werenski may not sign long-term, and adding him may not be enough to convince Matthews to stay in Toronto.

• The Vision: Pairing Werenski with Charlie McAvoy would create a formidable top defensive pair.
• The Problem: Boston’s asset pool is shallow. Pieces like Pavel Zacha and Mason Lohrei may not be sufficient to get a deal done.

• Assets: The Ducks could part with forward Beckett Sennecke or defenseman Pavel Mintyukov.
• Context: Both Columbus and Anaheim finished with 92 points last season, indicating a similar competitive standing.

• Personal Draw: Werenski is a Michigan native.
• On the Roster: The Red Wings have Moritz Seider but could use another top-pairing defenseman.
• Warning Sign: Without Dylan Larkin (who has reportedly requested a trade), the team’s competitive timeline may not align with Werenski’s.

Player Control

"Werenski has a full no-move clause until July 1, 2027, then a 10-team no-trade clause for the final year."

Zach Werenski holds significant leverage over any potential trade. He has a full no-move clause through the 2026-27 season, and a 10-team no-trade clause for the final year of his deal (2027-28). He will have substantial control over his final destination.