Columbus Blue Jackets face key decisions ahead of NHL free agency
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 30, 2026, 4:01 PM
Last updated Jun 30, 2026
The Columbus Blue Jackets are preparing for NHL free agency amidst uncertainty surrounding key players. Zach Werenski and Kirill Marchenko's futures appear unsettled as they have expressed intentions to leave, complicating the team's trade strategy. Boone Jenner and Mason Marchment are top pending free agents who could attract interest from teams like the Washington Capitals and Colorado Avalanche. General Manager Don Waddell aims to round out the roster, potentially re-signing Jenner and adding another defenseman. The team has also extended qualifying offers to restricted free agents Adam Fantilli and Cole Sillinger.
- •Zach Werenski and Kirill Marchenko may be traded before free agency.
- •Boone Jenner and Mason Marchment could become free agents today.
- •Don Waddell emphasizes trades will not lower team quality.
- •Columbus seeks to re-sign Jenner, Marchment, and Gudbranson.
- •Restricted free agents include Adam Fantilli and Cole Sillinger.
- 4:01 PMYahoo Sports — 5 Columbus Blue Jackets questions before NHL free agency
"The Columbus Blue Jackets have a lot on their plate before NHL free agency opens, from fielding trade offers to rounding out a competitive roster.
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days- NHL•Jun 30, 2026, 5:45 PM5 burning questions heading into 2026 NHL free agency
HockeyNHL•Jun 30, 2026, 2:35 PMFormer UND players set to hit NHL free agency- NHL•Jun 30, 2026, 1:29 PMAvalanche extend Taylor Makar for two more years
- NHL•Jun 29, 2026, 9:38 PMBruins Issue Qualifying Offers to Four of Seven RFAs
- NHL•Jun 29, 2026, 5:11 PM2026 NHL free agency: Items the Maple Leafs must address this off-season
- NHL•Jun 29, 2026, 12:17 PMBiggest winners & losers from 2026 NHL Draft
