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The Columbus Blue Jackets are listening to offers for Norris Trophy winning defenseman Zach Werenski, according to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, with the Philadelphia Flyers and Dallas Stars cited as teams in pursuit.
In the whirlwind of the NHL Draft’s second day, Friedman provided an update on Werenski. GM Don Waddell’s pre-draft press conference initially stating the team would discuss his status after the draft. However, it was reported that Columbus was listening to trade offers for Werenski.
So, prior to the beginning of the second round, Friedman mentioned the Flyers and the Stars among eight to 10 teams. Accordingly, it’s expected that Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell is seeking NHL roster players in addition to prospects or draft picks.
At this point, Werenski has not requested a trade. But with two years remaining on his contract, Waddell might be seeing the writing on the wall when it comes to further extensions.
Additionally on Sunday afternoon, The Athletic’s Chris Johnston indicated that Columbus management didn’t seem to have urgency to move the situation along.
Team USA Players Flexing Their Contractual Power
It’s been an interesting summer for some of the gold medal winning members of Team USA as they attempt to maneuver themselves to other NHL clubs that have a chance to compete for Stanley Cups.
Detroit’s Dylan Larkin was the first to request a trade. Goalie Connor Hellebuyck’s situation with the Winnipeg Jets seems tenuous. But the most prominent player to actually move so far is winger Brady Tkachuk.
The former Ottawa Senators captain was traded to the Florida Panthers and joined his brother Matthew. Like Werenski, Tkachuk has multiple years remaining on his contract. However, he indicated that he would not be re-signing with Ottawa, which prompted the deal.
And like Tkachuk, Werenski gets to call his shot on where he goes. While the Flyers obviously desire him, is the feeling mutual? Would he see the Flyers as being close to contending?
The “In-Division Trade Tax”
Of course, there’s a difference between signaling your interest in a player through NHL insiders and actually being able to thread the needle in getting it done. After all, the Flyers had reported interest in now-Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Bowen Byram before he was moved prior to the draft.
The Blue Jackets reluctance in dealing their star defenseman is understandable. When it comes the Flyers, it could doubly so, as the unwritten “in-division trade tax” comes into play.
Expectedly, Werenski is going to have a robust market battling for his services. The cost for the Flyers is likely to be higher just from the Metropolitan Division rival perspective. That stated, the fact that the Flyers are out there in front would indicate that they are ready to pay.
However, there’s little question that Waddell would prefer to send him out of the Metropolitan Division. It would be even better if he dealt him out the Eastern Conference.
So if he can swing a deal in getting a better package and not have to see his top player on a division rival, that’s what he’ll do.
What Could Columbus’ Trade Ask Be?
It’s expected that players such as Porter Martone and Tyson Foerster would be asked for by Waddell. And both are likely non-starters for Flyers general manage Daniel Briere.
Do I agree that Foerster should be an untouchable here? Not when it comes to a player like Werenski, but I’m not the general manager.
So the conversation would pivot to a package that would likely include Matvei Michkov, if he’s a player they want. Waddell could potentially ask for as many as two more players (one NHL and one close to ready). Finally, I’d expect first round pick(s) to be in play as well.
Additionally, one of those players needs to be a defenseman to replace Werenski. Travis Sanheim and Rasmus Ristolainen are unlikely for their own individual reasons. Perhaps Cam York and his very affordable long term contract would work.
Would that be enough to move the needle versus other team’s offers? At the moment, probably not.
As the summer slides towards fall, it’s possible Waddell could pivot to a futures deal if the situation becomes untenable. Briere has a substantial haul of draft picks over the next two seasons.
However, the Flyers still have to face a stiff market for his services with teams who could put forward trade packages that would be more enticing. Dallas could put a deal that centered around Thomas Harley. Would the Flyers be able to compete with that?
At this point, I don’t see a pathway for a Werenski-to-Philadelphia trade to happen. Things could change, but it will require certain things to line up for them.
It’s just a difficult match right now.
Flyers Development Camp Starts Monday
The Flyers announced the roster and schedule for their 2026 Player Development Camp. It will be held between Monday, June 29 to Friday, July 3 at the Flyers Training Center in Voorhees, New Jersey.
The on-ice sessions will be lead by the Flyers Player Development Staff, including Riley Armstrong and his staff, along with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms coaches.
According to general manager Daniel Briere, there will be 41 players are expected to attend development camp. They will be split into three groups for on ice power skating and skill sessions. There will be two teams for games and practices: Team Briere and Team Jones.
In addition, it’s expected that forwards Porter Martone, Alex Bump, and Denver Barkey will attend.
All six of the Flyers draftees from the 2026 NHL Draft, including Maksim Sokolovskii (27th overall) is scheduled to attend.
The camp will feature a scrimmage on Thursday, July 2 at 6:00 p.m. and will conclude with a three-on-three tournament on Friday, July 3 at 10:00 a.m. All on-ice sessions are free and open to the public.
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