NHL rumors: Maple Leafs the 1 Canadian team Zach Werenski might consider for trade

A move could be on the horizon for Columbus Blue Jackets star defenseman Zach Werenski, with the Toronto Maple Leafs being the only Canadian franchise on his list of acceptable destinations, according to Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic.

Werenski does not intend to sign a contract extension before his current agreement expires following the 2027-28 season. The Norris Trophy winner has two years remaining on his contract with an average annual value of $9.5 million and has become one of the NHL’s most discussed trade candidates.

“My understanding is that eight to 10 teams have already called the Blue Jackets. You can absolutely count the Dallas Stars, Philadelphia Flyers, San Jose Sharks and Hurricanes among the early teams with interest,” stated LeBrun. “The Stars’ and Flyers’ interest I would describe as keen. The one Canadian team that the Team USA Olympic gold medal winner might consider, by the way, is the Toronto Maple Leafs.”

The connection between Werenski and Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews is viewed as a huge factor. The two are close friends, won Olympic gold with Team USA, share agent Judd Moldaver and are both under contract through July 1, 2028. Werenski also grew up in Grosse Pointe, Michigan, less than a four-hour drive from Toronto.

Fresh off winning the Norris Trophy, the 28-year-old defenseman has produced back-to-back seasons of at least 20 goals, 80 points and more than 26 minutes of ice time per game, making him one of the league’s premier blueliners.

Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell is expected to meet with Werenski next week, but reports indicate the club is already listening to offers. Columbus could choose to move him while two playoff runs remain under contract rather than risk losing leverage closer to free agency.

Any trade package would likely be substantial. Potential assets discussed include Matthew Knies, Easton Cowan, Ben Danford, Colorado’s 2027 first-round pick, Nick Robertson, Dennis Hildeby and possibly Morgan Rielly to help balance salaries. Werenski’s contract includes a full no-movement clause until July 2027, when it converts to a 10-team no-trade list.

For Toronto, acquiring Werenski would be one of the organization’s biggest roster moves in years, giving the Maple Leafs a true No. 1 defenseman while dramatically revamping their blue line.

The post NHL rumors: Maple Leafs the 1 Canadian team Zach Werenski might consider for trade appeared first on ClutchPoints.