The Toronto Maple Leafs and Tampa Bay Lightning are atop Zach Werenski’s list
Chris Johnston and Aaron Portzline of The Athletic: Sources say that Zach Werenski never formally asked for a trade, but did tell the team that he was unsure about his future beyond the final two years of his contract.
He vetoed a trade to the Dallas Stars on Tuesday night. Werenski appears to want to stay in the East, and the Toronto Maple Leafs and Tampa Bay Lightning may be his preferred destinations.
When Werenski and the Blue Jackets first started their talks, it was believed that if they couldn’t find a deal this offseason, he could return next season. Things are public now, and who knows where this is headed next.
The Stars’ offer was obviously better than what the Lightning and Maple Leafs have presented. The Blue Jackets may want this situation resolved soon, but they aren’t going to rush anything to appeal Werenski or his agent.
NHL Rumors: Toronto Maple Leafs, Sergei Bobrovsky and Zach Werenski
Pierre LeBrun: “Will reiterate again that Tampa Bay and Toronto would be among the top teams I think Werenski would accept a trade to. But can those teams satisfy CBJ trade requirements remains to be seen.”
Greg Wyshynski: “So just spit-balling here on Tampa Bay and Werenski… The core all has trade protection. J.J. Moser (signed through 2030, $6.75 million AAV) does not. Conor Geekie (23 years old) has one more year before RFA status.”
Four potential landing spots (well, maybe not anymore) for Zach Werenski
Ryan Dixon of Sportsnet: Elliotte Friedman spitballed if Zach Werenski and Dylan Larkin could end up on the same team somehow, Vegas and Dallas?
Just looking at Werenski and where he could end up.
Dallas Stars – Thomas Harley may be the ideal player for the Blue Jackets to get back, according to Friedman. The Blue Jackets would want to know if Harley would be okay with it, despite having no trade protection. throws out the whopper – Werenski and Larkin to Dallas, Harley to Columbus and Jason Robertson to Detroit.
Toronto Maple Leafs – Matthew Knies would be of interest, and then use Kirill Marchenko to land a defenseman.
Vegas Golden Knights – Still looking to create more cap room in futures deals for Tomas Hertl and Adin Hill. Finding a return that Columbus likes may be difficult.
Zach Werenski Vetoes a Trade to the Dallas Stars as the Offers Come In
Carolina Hurricanes – Can create more cap room if they move Jesperi Kotkaniemi. Have 24-year-old RFA defenseman Alexander Nikishin and 21-year-old prospect Bradley Nadeau.
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