No matter how many people refute the claims, or how hard everyone pushes back; there are still people in the NHL's national media circle who are touting a potential Zach Werenski trade. Adding fuel to the fire this afternoon is "insider" Frank Seravalli, who speculates that they could also move Kirill Marchenko.
Say what?
On a livestream episode of "Frankly Hockey" this afternoon, Seravalli essentially states that the Blue Jackets do not have a formula for success, and that they might as well cash in now, while guys still have value.
Co-host John Buccigross fought the good fight, pointing out the obvious facts. Those facts are that Werenski's camp has not requested a trade at this time (actually, they refuted the idea just yesterday), and that the team is much more likely to play the next season before making any irrational decisions.
As I said on Frankly Hockey today, if I'm CBJ:
— BucciOT.Com (@Buccigross) June 23, 2026
I name Werenski Captain and don't mention his plans until next summer. All in this season.
And...I offer Marchenko 8 x 10.5 extension. https://t.co/X8LAIRDrKV
You know: have the guys who are under contract to be part of the success plan here, actually show up and play hockey. Then see where the chips fall, as any competent organization would do. But, as always, everyone assumes the Blue Jackets are completely incompetent.
So, of course, by the time Bucci was able to speak up and point out the obvious, the wildfire was already well out of control. Fans from all over the league are blowing air into it, fanning the rumor flames. It doesn't take much in the days of social media.
The Blue Jackets aren't tearing it down right now, because they can't afford another rebuild.
The idea of trading Werenski makes no sense. The notion that they should also trade Marchenko is even more baffling. The last thing the Blue Jackets need, is another full tear-down and rebuild. This fanbase is not going to sit through another 5-7 years of pain.
The ownership group knows that. This is why they hired Don Waddell to come in and help refurbish the entire organization from the top down. They did not fire one of the game's best scouting minds-then hire one of the game's most proven team builders, just to start over again.
For now, the 5th Line should be focusing on the immediate future. That future states that Werenski is signed for two more seasons. Marchenko is signed through next season, but he will be a restricted free agent at that point.
If the team is terrible again next season, then things could change. But, for right now, we'll just have to tune out the rumors and speculation. Lets hope Waddell can continue to right the ship.
Add us as a preferred source on Google