Zach Werenski expresses desire to stay with Blue Jackets long term
5 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Aug 14, 2026, 4:22 PM
Last updated Aug 14, 2026
Zach Werenski, star defenseman for the Columbus Blue Jackets, conveyed his wish to remain with the team long term during a media meeting on August 13. This statement follows a tumultuous offseason marked by trade rumors regarding his future in Columbus. Werenski, who is the current Norris Trophy holder, emphasized his commitment to leading the Blue Jackets to success, stating he wants to win in Columbus. Despite previous speculations about a potential trade, Werenski reiterated his intention to continue with the Blue Jackets and expressed optimism about the team's direction following significant roster changes, including the addition of veteran players and the departure of former captain Boone Jenner.
- •Werenski wants to win in Columbus and stay with the team long term.
- •Trade rumors surrounded his offseason, but he rejected a proposal to the Dallas Stars.
- •He won the Norris Trophy and has two years remaining on his contract.
- •The Blue Jackets underwent significant roster changes this summer.
- •Werenski expressed a desire to fill the captain vacancy left by Boone Jenner.
- 4:22 PMYahoo Sports — Norris Trophy winner Zach Werenski ties his future with Blue Jackets to playoff push after trade veto
- 9:55 PMESPN NHL — Werenski reiterates Jackets' future tied to playoffs
- 8:29 PMYahoo Sports — Norris Trophy winner Werenski ties his future with Blue Jackets to playoff push after trade veto
- 6:43 PMYahoo Sports — Blue Jackets' Zach Werenski wants to stay in Columbus 'long term'
- 5:26 PMYahoo Sports — Columbus Blue Jackets' Zach Werenski wants to stay with team 'long term'
"Zach Werenski would like to remain with the Columbus Blue Jackets long term, even though there are two seasons left on his current contract. The reigning Norris Trophy winner as the NHL’s best defenseman reiterated on Thursday that the Blue Jackets must become a contender if he is to stay in central Ohio beyond the 2027-28 season.
"Zach Werenski would like to remain with the Columbus Blue Jackets long term, even though there are two seasons left on his current contract.
"Zach Werenski would like to remain with the Columbus Blue Jackets long term, even though there are two seasons left on his current contract.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsAug 14, 2026, 4:22 PMNorris Trophy winner Zach Werenski ties his future with Blue Jackets to playoff push after trade veto
Zach Werenski would like to remain with the Columbus Blue Jackets long term, even though there are two seasons left on his current contract.
- ESPN NHLAug 13, 2026, 9:55 PMWerenski reiterates Jackets' future tied to playoffs
Zach Werenski would like to remain with the Columbus Blue Jackets long term, even though there are two seasons left on his current contract.
- Yahoo SportsAug 13, 2026, 8:29 PMNorris Trophy winner Werenski ties his future with Blue Jackets to playoff push after trade veto
Zach Werenski would like to remain with the Columbus Blue Jackets long term, even though there are two seasons left on his current contract. The reigning Norris Trophy winner as the NHL’s best defenseman reiterated on Thursday that the Blue Jackets must become a contender if he is to stay in central Ohio beyond the 2027-28 season.
- Yahoo SportsAug 13, 2026, 6:43 PMBlue Jackets' Zach Werenski wants to stay in Columbus 'long term'
Blue Jackets star Zach Werenski addressed trade rumors from the summer and his desire to lead the team to the playoffs.
- Yahoo SportsAug 13, 2026, 5:26 PMColumbus Blue Jackets' Zach Werenski wants to stay with team 'long term'
Blue Jackets star Zach Werenski addressed trade rumors from the summer and his desire to lead the team to the playoffs.
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