Could the Werenski and Blue Jackets situation become a talking point again?
Aaron Portzline of The Athletic joined SiriusXM NHL Network Radio Power Play on Monday and was asked about the situation involving Zach Werenski and the Columbus Blue Jackets. While things are calm now, this story might not go away if Columbus gets off to a slow start.
NHLRumors.com Transcriptions
NHL Rumors: How the Zach Werenski Situation Blew Up and Calmed Down Quickly
Host: “I’m sure you’ve had to talk a lot about Zach Werenski over the course of this summer, Aaron. Obviously, very much in the news. At one point, it looked like he was gone from Columbus, at least from what we were reading online and some of the speculation. And obviously a player like that becomes available, any team in the league would be interested in a Norris Trophy, top-level defenseman. But these guys just don’t become available, so the interest from other teams isn’t surprising.
But maybe the fact that, with some of the success we saw this year, and you thought that everything was just going to be good, we run things back over to next year. It feels like that’s where we’re at right now. Can you help us understand this timeline of Zach Werenski and maybe where we’re at right now heading into next season?”
Aaron Portzline: “Yeah, I mean, there’s still some details that are fairly sketchy. Zach has not spoken directly to this, other than the statement that he’s released with the team. So there are some details there to either figure out or details that may never be known, but my understanding is that he did not ever say to them, “I would like a trade.” Never directly requested a trade.
NHL Rumors: What Will Adam Fantilli Make on His Next Deal in Columbus?
My understanding is that he never said to them emphatically, “I’m out of here in two years.” I think what was conveyed, perhaps misinterpreted or miscommunicated by some, was that it was discussed how he has two years left, and there can be no guarantee at this point that he’s going to extend. I think he wants to see this team step up, get into the playoffs, and start winning in the playoffs.
He has had some success, but it has been on the international level and in the minor leagues. He won the Calder Cup with the AHL Cleveland franchise. He wants to start winning in the NHL. So, listen, this is going to be a story that doesn’t quite go to bed. If they’re out of it at the trade deadline, his name’s going to surface if he doesn’t sign an extension next July 1st. His name’s going to be mentioned again because of this.
But for now, it sure seems like things have settled down. I think he’s brought a lot of fans back into the fold. A lot of people were wondering what they were going to do with their number eight jerseys. But for now, everything seems to have calmed down.”
NHLRumors.com Note: As the old saying goes from Sportsnet’s Elliott Friedman, it is better to resolve your problems than trade your problems. That is what the Columbus Blue Jackets and defenseman Zach Werenski did. They decided to discuss their problems and figure out a solution. Columbus GM Don Waddell called Werenski’s bluff when it came to the trade, given there were talks with the Dallas Stars.
Zach Werenski Staying in Columbus Now?
However, as NHLRumors.com has been reporting, Werenski wants to see improvement from the Blue Jackets. Like most of the Team USA players from the Olympics after tasting success by winning the Gold Medal, they want that success in the NHL. It is a big season for Columbus in order to prove to their star defenseman that the Blue Jackets can compete for a playoff spot and have a chance to win.
Again, while the story has calmed down for right now, it could get ignited real quick during the season if the Blue Jackets struggle.
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