Breaking down the 5th Line's trade ideas for two Blue Jackets stars

Zach Werenski to Toronto?

The other popular destination we saw in Zach Werenski trade ideas: the Toronto Maple Leafs. I'm skeptical that he would have any interest in going there, but who knows. Stranger things have happened.

I think the framework of a Werenski-Knies deal is pretty interesting. But, in my opinion, that kind of trade probably hinges on two things: can the Blue Jackets get a defenseman somewhere else, maybe in a Kirill Marchenko trade? And, does Zach Werenski really want to go to Toronto?

It's tough to see Waddell making this kind of trade without answering that first question. And, even if he does, I'm not sure Zach wants to be the center of attention under hockey's strongest microscope.

I'll admit that I'm not as big a fan of Knies as many, but I do think he could be a supporting piece on the top line, alongside Adam Fantilli. He's not going to be a play driver, but if he could continue to put up the numbers he has in Toronto, while bringing a physical element, the Blue Jackets could do a lot worse.

But hey, if we're going to dream, dream big:

How about the Flyers?

Early in the trade rumor mill are the Philadelphia Flyers, who are said to be seeking a big splash this summer. Per reports, they would be all in on Zach Werenski. So it makes sense that we saw some Flyers proposals as well:

Right up front, I would have very little interest in Matvei Michkov in this deal, unless I got some kind of commitment from Kirill Marchenko. I could see those two becoming good friends, and being a lethal combination for years to come. But, that's a big "if" right now.

The interesting idea is Porter Martone. If Waddell could get him into a deal from the Flyers, that would make too much sense for the Blue Jackets to pass up. They would have to take on an ugly contract in return, and there would certainly need to be other pieces involved.

But, I think the value of a Martone/Werenski swap would be nearly 1-for-1. Martone is one of the game's top up and coming power forwards, and he would step right onto the top line with Adam Fantilli next season. How exciting would that be?

Then, Waddell could flip Marchenko to the highest bidder for a defenseman. Come to think of it, Montreal has a few of those that they might be willing to part with for this player.

Again, probably dreaming. But, when your two best players are seeking a trade at the same time, what else can you do? It will be fascinating to see what the Blue Jackets do to reload this summer.

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