Suggested Blockbuster Trade Sees Lightning Acquire Blue Jackets’ Werenski

While the Columbus Blue Jackets and Zach Werenski made it clear that Werenski was happy to return and wasn’t interested in being traded, following some speculation otherwise, it’s hard to fully believe when a player says they don’t want to be traded and are loyal to one team.

The Ottawa Senators shockingly traded Brady Tkachuk to the Florida Panthers, which came after he requested a trade. This move came after years of the Senators and Tkachuk claiming that anyone believing that Tkachuk wanted to leave was nothing but clickbait. As more reports came out, it became clear that Tkachuk wanted out for a while, and everything they said wasn’t true.

Circling back to Werenski and the Blue Jackets. While it seems likely that Werenski might start the season without being traded, it’s hard to believe the two sides aren’t discussing what a potential move could look like. Werenski already rejected a trade to the Dallas Stars, but there is another team that makes more sense for him.

Werenski, who is 28 years old, is coming off a Norris Trophy win, where he earned the honour of best defender in the NHL. Through 75 games, he scored 22 goals and added 59 assists for 81 points, maintaining just over a point-per-game average. Through 642 career games so far, he scored 135 goals and added 330 assists for 465 points.

The Tampa Bay Lightning went out and signed John Carlson to a two-year contract after losing Darren Raddysh to the Toronto Maple Leafs, but could still benefit from bolstering their defensive depth as they push for a Stanley Cup.

In this article, we take a quick look at a potential trade between the Lightning and Blue Jackets involving Werenski. Keep in mind, this is purely hypothetical, and while there were some rumors that Werenski would have an interest in joining the Lightning, there are no reports that the two teams have had any detailed trade discussions.

Lightning Land Werenski, Blue Jackets Get Haul in Return

The Blue Jackets likely won’t want purely future assets for Werenski, and will be looking to stay competitive if they decide to move him. Bringing in players that can help them stay as a playoff hopeful makes the most sense in a blockbuster move like this.

Realistically, a trade looks like the Lightning acquiring Werenski in exchange for Conor Geekie, Janis “J.J.” Moser, Gage Goncalves, a 2028 first-round pick, and a conditional 2029 first-round pick. The condition on the pick could come down to how Werenski performs, just giving the Lightning some security with this major acquisition.

The Blue Jackets bring in three solid players who can help them remain competitive, while the Lightning add one of the best defensemen in the NHL. The deal would need Werenski’s approval since he has a no-movement clause (NMC) and has full control over whether he gets traded or not.

This deal puts the Lightning in a position where they are the immediate favourites to win the Stanley Cup, without question.

If the relationship between the Blue Jackets and Werenski is already strained in any way, trading him makes the most sense. The Lightning have a great trade package to put together, but they won’t be the only team trying to land Werenski if he becomes available, which could drive up the asking price significantly.

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