The Blue Jackets have a lot of options with Zach Werenski and Kirill Marchenko. But, their best option is the obvious one: rip off the band-aid and get the biggest return possible.
The last week has hit the 5th Line like a nuclear bomb. Just when it felt like things were starting to head in the right direction for the Blue Jackets, their two biggest stars have told the world that they no longer want to be a part of the future in Columbus.
This remains the most important offseason in franchise history, but the reason has now changed. Instead of building a team around a core of Werenski, Marchenko, Adam Fantilli, Cole Sillinger, Kent Johnson, and Denton Mateychuk; GM Don Waddell has to pivot and adjust the game plan.
He was clearly blindsided by both of these players, but the good news is, he has time on his side. No matter what the other GMs around the NHL think about it, Waddell can work this situation out at his own pace, and do what is best for this franchise. However, I do think he has to make these moves this summer.
I'm guessing this has to do with the fact that Don Waddell was blindsided with the situation and has not yet been able to meet with the player or his agent.
— Union and Blue (@UnionAndBlue) June 28, 2026
Suppose it could have been handled in a better way by them. Don't blame the #CBJ https://t.co/DbF7Ipl2cP
What kind of time does Waddell have with Werenski?
Werenski has two years left on his contract, after which point he will become an unrestricted free agent. Behind the scenes, he has made it somewhat clear (it's still very murky, if we're being honest) that he doesn't intend to re-up with the Blue Jackets.
Waddell could hang onto the reigning Norris Trophy winner and try to convince him that he can win here. But, in my opinion, that move is too risky for a team that still hasn't even cleared the playoff hurdle to this point. They are still trying to build up to a wild card spot, and Zach has Stanley Cup aspirations.
It's hard to blame him, but the timing of this is a little bit confusing. After all, it was Zach himself who committed to sticking around for a rebuild. Now, he's seemingly decided he's too good for Columbus. Add him to the list.
The fact of the situation is this: he's nearing the end of his prime. When that contract comes due, he'll be 30 years old, and looking to cash in big one last time. So, in my opinion, I don't think his trade value will literally ever be higher than it is right now.
An acquiring team can get him with two years of a reasonable cap hit remaining, and try to build a Cup team around that. Meanwhile, the Blue Jackets can cash in themselves: on the value of a Norris Trophy winning defenseman, and swing a deal that could set them up for the next decade.
How about Marchenko?
It's a similar situation with Marchenko. Kirill has one year remaining, but he will be a restricted free agent-meaning he's still under team control for at least two seasons. Waddell may never get a bigger return for him than what is rumored to be on the table this summer.
I do wonder if there is the potential to convince him to stay, though. Kirill is only 25 years old, and this team's Cup window should be creeping open right when he's in his prime. Could a player like Valeri Nichushkin talk him off the ledge? It's an interesting thought.
Of the two situations, I think hanging onto Marchenko makes more sense than hanging onto Werenski. Worst case scenario, you can deal Kirill at the trade deadline, or even after the season, and an acquiring team would still be able to negotiate with him exclusively. I'm not sure how much his trade value would change between now and then.
Of course, you're also risking injury at that point. Not to mention, what kind of distraction would this be heading into next season? That's honestly my biggest concern. If Waddell can't get a good feel from Marchenko and his agent (whose name I will not mention), then the correct solution here is to get the best return that he can now, and move on.
The last thing we want, is a player being booed in his home arena. Or a fractured locker room. Or both.
Conclusion: trade them both.
The Blue Jackets are in a rare position here. With so many teams jockeying to restructure their rosters and compete for a Cup, there are a lot of hungry buyers.
Waddell would be wise to trade both of these guys away and get the best returns he can. We have never seen this much talent in Columbus, and the value of these two players is through the roof right now. This franchise has never been in a better position to weather through this kind of situation.
Two strong hockey trades could be exactly what they need to alter their path for the next decade.
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