What Is Happening With Zach Werenski And The Columbus Blue Jackets?

Columbus Blue Jackets superstar defenseman Zach Werenski has been one of the hottest topics going into free agency, although he isn't a UFA.

Werenski has been a popular topic of trade rumors and speculation, and he reportedly vetoed a trade on Tuesday night.

Here is everything you need to know about Werenski's situation, where he could be heading, and how we got here, based on what insiders have reported in the past couple of days.

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What Teams Are In The Mix?

With the Stars no longer a candidate to land Werenski, three Eastern Conference teams seem to be the highest on the list of remaining suitors.

The Philadelphia Flyers have been mentioned, but the two teams that appear to be the favorites to acquire the 28-year-old are the Tampa Bay Lightning and Toronto Maple Leafs.

The Lightning and Leafs don't have an abundance of assets to give up for Werenski like the Stars did. However, if those are the two destinations that Werenski truly desires, Waddell won't have much of a choice if he wants to move him.

On Wednesday morning, TSN's Darren Dreger said the Maple Leafs may be able to get Werenski without giving up 23-year-old left winger Matthew Knies in a trade.

Stay tuned for updates throughout July 1 if and when they come in.

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This story was originally published July 1, 2026 at 8:39 AM.