Norris Trophy winner Werenski ties his future with Blue Jackets to playoff push after trade veto

Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski, who won the prestigious Norris Trophy as the NHL’s top defenseman, has made it clear that he intends to remain with the team for the long term. Even though there are only two seasons left on his existing contract, Werenski expressed his desire for the Blue Jackets to become a competitive team that can make a playoff run, which he believes is the key to keeping him in central Ohio beyond the 2027-28 season.

Werenski, who vetoed a trade to the Dallas Stars earlier in the offseason, has a no-trade clause for the current season and a 10-team no-trade list starting next July 1. However, he emphasized that he did not close the door on the possibility of signing an extension or being traded. The Blue Jackets have been struggling to make the playoffs since 2020, going 3-9-1 down the stretch last season.

Werenski, who had an impressive 81-point campaign last year, including 22 goals and 59 assists, noted that his team's performance deteriorated in the final stages of the regular season, with six consecutive home losses tying a franchise record. Despite this setback, Werenski remains optimistic and committed to improving his game and taking on a leadership role if he is to stay with the Blue Jackets for the foreseeable future.