Which teams could land Zach Werenski? - Daily Faceoff
Trade discussions for Werenski
The Columbus Blue Jackets are reportedly considering trade offers for defenceman Zach Werenski. Reports suggest that the team believes Werenski is unlikely to extend his current contract in Columbus, prompting them to explore trade options to acquire assets rather than losing him in free agency.
Werenski’s current contract includes a full no-movement clause, which means he will have significant control over any potential trade destination. He has two years remaining on his current deal.
Multiple teams have been identified as having interest in acquiring Werenski. Among those mentioned are the Dallas Stars, Philadelphia Flyers, and Carolina Hurricanes. Additionally, the Tampa Bay Lightning and Toronto Maple Leafs have also been discussed as potential destinations.
Werenski’s recent performance and contract details
Werenski, who is set to enter the fifth season of a six-year contract, has spent his entire career with Columbus. He previously signed an entry-level contract and a subsequent three-year deal in 2019.
During the 2025-26 season, Werenski recorded 22 goals and 81 points in 75 games. He received 113 first-place votes, leading to his win of the Norris Trophy for best defenceman. He also led the Blue Jackets in assists, points, and points-per-game, while finishing third in goals. This marked his second consecutive campaign leading his team in scoring, having registered 82 points in the 2024-25 season, making him the tenth defenceman in NHL history to achieve this feat.
Any team looking to acquire Werenski would likely need to offer a substantial trade package. Furthermore, Werenski is reportedly looking to join a team with a strong chance to compete for a championship. This factor, combined with his no-movement clause, will play a role in where he ultimately lands.
Potential trade destinations and considerations
The San Jose Sharks have been mentioned as a team that could accelerate their rebuild by trading for Werenski, provided they believe their roster could become a playoff contender. The Sharks have a considerable amount of cap space available this summer and a surplus of future assets that could be used in a trade. Four of their defencemen are expected to enter the market, with two being left-handed, making Dmitry Orlov their highest-paid left-handed defenceman for the 2026-27 season. The team is also expected to benefit from open money after next season due to the buyouts of Martin Jones and Marc-Edouard Vlasic, and the retained salary of Erik Karlsson.
The Dallas Stars are another team reportedly interested in Werenski. The Stars recently signed Thomas Harley to an eight-year extension. While the Stars are considered a potential fit, there are questions about how Harley would feel about such a deal after committing to the team for an extended period. The Blue Jackets would ideally seek a top-paid defenceman in return, and Harley could provide a valuable return for Columbus’s core players.
The Toronto Maple Leafs are also expected to inquire about Werenski. Following their acquisition of Gavin McKenna as a first-overall pick and trading for Darren Raddysh, the Leafs could make another significant move to strengthen their defensive left side. A potential trade package from Toronto could involve young forward Matthew Knies or a larger package including picks and other young talent. This could potentially involve Morgan Rielly as part of a positional swap, though Werenski would need to consider if Toronto’s current status aligns with his desire for a winning team.
The situation is complex, with Werenski’s no-movement clause giving him significant influence over his next team. The Blue Jackets’ General Manager Don Waddell will aim to secure the best possible value for the star defenceman.
Source: dailyfaceoff.com
