Maybe the largest story to return out of the primary day of the NHL’s free agent signing interval is a transfer that didn’t occur, and should not occur anytime quickly.
After days of hypothesis concerning his future with the group, Norris Trophy-winning defenseman Zach Werenski and the Columbus Blue Jackets appear to have labored out their points. Not less than for now. It leaves the star defenseman with the one group he is ever recognized, however there’s nonetheless a query as to how lengthy that can final.
Blue Jackets, Zach Werenski appear to be on the identical web page once more (a minimum of for now)
Basic supervisor Don Waddell and Werenski each issued statements on Wednesday indicating that they’ve discovered a standard floor and are excited to proceed along with Werenski as a member of the Blue Jackets.
Werenski has two years remaining on his contract, however his future turned unsure when word surfaced this offseason that he was not going to be interested in re-signing with the team on the conclusion of that deal.
There was no official commerce demand ever made, however it actually led to hypothesis that one may very well be coming.
On condition that the Blue Jackets might see the potential writing on the wall, they started in search of out commerce choices to maneuver Werenski at his peak worth and keep away from the danger of shedding him for nothing in a few years.
They reportedly discovered a take care of the Dallas Stars.
Werenski, nonetheless, utilized his no-trade protections in his contract and rejected the deal, resulting in hypothesis that the state of affairs was about to get ugly.
However because the statements on Wednesday present, the 2 sides appear to have talked by way of their points and bridged no matter hole had existed. Werenski mentioned that he felt issues over the previous week or two have been blown means out of proportion.
Within the short-term, this can be a big win for the Blue Jackets.
Not solely is Werenski their finest participant and the most effective defensemen in all the NHL, shedding him would have been a large PR blow and gut-punch for a fan base that has recognized nothing however shedding and frustration for nearly all of its existence. The Werenski story was made even worse by the report that Kirill Marchenko, one of many group’s finest forwards, additionally made it recognized he was not inquisitive about signing a long-term extension with the franchise.
There are nonetheless some large questions on what this implies a 12 months or two into the longer term, however it a minimum of provides the Blue Jackets some short-term optimism. And maybe one other 12 months or two to doubtlessly present Werenski that they’re able to constructing a successful group and convincing him to need to keep.
