The Columbus Blue Jackets have started listening to teams calling on Norris Trophy winner Zach Werenski, according to TSN Hockey Insider Pierre LeBrun.
LeBrun reports that Columbus is aware Werenski is unlikely to extend with the Blue Jackets past his current deal and that there is no guarantee he is dealt this summer.
The 28-year-old defenceman has two years remaining on his deal that carries a cap hit of $9.58 million. He has a full no-movement clause for the 2026-27 season and a modified no-trade clause in 2027-28.
Columbus has not made the playoffs since the 2019-20 season, where they lost in the first round to the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell said last week that he and Werenski would sit down sometime after Friday’s NHL Draft to discuss his future with the team.
“There are some matters we’re dealing with that should probably stay internal. My plan is still to meet with Zach in the near future and see where he’s at,” Waddell told reporters last Thursday. ”We’ve had some conversations with his agent, but there’s been no definitive plan."
Werenski scored 22 goals with 81 points in 75 games last season to capture his first Norris Trophy.
He also helped the United States capture the gold medal at the Olympics in February with six points in six games.
Drafted eighth overall by Columbus in 2015, Werenski has skated in 642 games with the club, scoring 135 goals with 465 points.
