Werenski trade talks continue in Columbus — The Fourth Period
The Columbus Blue Jackets remain in conversations with multiple teams about star defenceman Zach Werenski, who informed the club on Friday that he is not interested in signing a new deal with them beyond his current contract.
Werenski, 28, has a full no-movement clause and has a say in where he ends up, once deal, and owns a salary cap hit worth just over $9.583 million per year.
The Dallas Stars, Utah Mammoth, Toronto Maple Leafs, Philadelphia Flyers and Anaheim Ducks are among the teams eyeing Werenski and have discussed the possibility with the Blue Jackets.
Columbus GM Don Waddell is engaged in trade talks with teams and according to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman the Blue Jackets may prefer to get a deal done sooner rather than later.
Speculation spread during the NHL Draft that the Stars may be willing to part with Thomas Harley as part of a deal, while the Maple Leafs may be willing to package Matthew Knies in a move.
Werenski, who won the Norris Trophy this season, registered 22 goals and 59 assists for 81 points in 75 games.
