Zach Werenski Anticipates Positive Fan Reception Following Turbulent Offseason

Zach Werenski, the reigning Norris Trophy winner, expects a positive return to Columbus after using a no-movement clause to veto a trade to the Dallas Stars.

Zach Werenski expects a positive reception from Columbus Blue Jackets fans for the 2026-27 season after a summer in which he vetoed a trade to the Dallas Stars. The 29-year-old defenseman, who won the Norris Trophy last season, previously informed general manager Don Waddell that he was unlikely to sign a new contract when his current deal expires following the 2027-28 campaign. This prompted Waddell to seek a trade, but Werenski utilized his full no-movement clause to block the finalized agreement with Dallas.

Werenski enters his 11th NHL season with a $9,583,334 cap hit and two years remaining on his contract. Over the past two seasons, the former No. 8 overall pick has averaged more than 26 minutes of ice time while leading Columbus in scoring with consecutive 80-point performances. Despite the public trade discussions, Werenski reaffirmed his commitment to the organization in July, stating that the situation had been blown out of proportion.

The defenseman's level of control over his future will shift next summer when his full no-movement clause transitions into a partial no-trade clause. Werenski confirmed to ESPN that he must provide a 10-team trade list for the 2027-28 season. He noted that potential trade partners might be hesitant to acquire him without a guaranteed extension, especially following a market reset that saw Cale Makar sign a deal worth $20.4 million annually. Columbus enters the upcoming season looking to snap a six-year playoff drought.