Norris Trophy winning defenseman Zach Werenski worked out in Columbus this morning, and met with the media after his session. In his first time in front of the cameras since his summer trade rumor fiasco, he doubled down on his desire to remain a Blue Jacket. But, that sure sounds like it comes with a caveat.
Dave Maetzold shared a brief video of the scrum via X:
Zach Werenski after his workout at NWA said he was glad to be back in town and it reinforced the feeling that Columbus is where he wants to be. #CBJ pic.twitter.com/pl7sJadh44
— Dave Maetzold (@DMaetzMedia) August 13, 2026
Zach mentions that he's happy to remain a Blue Jacket, and that Columbus is where he wants to be. That's exactly what the 5th Line wants to hear, and it will hopefully put a lot of the rumors we have heard to rest. At least for the time being.
If you dig under the surface a little more, I think his comments do shed more light on the issue. And, it's what we all assumed. He wants to stay-and win-in Columbus. That last part is the key here. He's subtly telling the organization what it's going to take to keep him long-term.
Zach isn't signing up for a losing cause.
This next season is easily the most crucial campaign in the history of this franchise. The stakes have literally never been higher for this team, because if they can't find a way to start winning: it's back to rebuild mode.
Zach Werenski has two years left on his current contract, and he's telling the Blue Jackets that he's not sure if he wants to re-sign beyond those two years, unless they can start pulling things together. It feels like they need to not just squeak into the playoffs this year. They need to make some noise in those playoffs.
He's going to be 31 years old at the end of his contract, and he's played in the playoffs just 4 times in his career-with only one playoff series win. As one of the very best players in the world at his position, would we really blame him for wanting out if this team can't turn the corner?
After all, it's not his fault they can't find a forward that can keep pace with him offensively. He's done his part. Now, it's on the organization to do their part and put all of the pieces in place around him. If they can start winning, I think he wants to stay. In fact, he said so himself:
One thing he did say. He said ideally, he’d like to stay with #CBJ long term.
— Mark Scheig (@mark_scheig) August 13, 2026
Even though we didn't see any ground-shifting moves this summer, I still believe there is plenty of talent on this roster. They should be able to hit 100 points, assuming any growth from some of their talented young players.
Fingers crossed that they can do just that, and convince their franchise player to continue his career in Central Ohio.
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