(Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
Zach Werenski wants to remain with the Columbus Blue Jackets beyond his current contract, but the reigning Norris Trophy winner made it clear that the team’s ability to become a legitimate contender will play a major role in that decision.
Werenski has two seasons remaining on his contract and is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent after the 2027-28 season. He reiterated Thursday that he would like to stay in Columbus, provided the Blue Jackets continue making progress toward becoming a playoff team.
“I want to see us in the playoffs and make progress. I feel like we’ve done that,” Werenski said. “Winning solves everything, and that’s where we have to get to as a club. We have to raise our standards and expectations, and that starts with myself.”
Werenski Wants To Stay in Columbus
Werenski spoke publicly for the first time since reports surfaced this summer that he had vetoed a potential trade to the Dallas Stars.
The 29-year-old defenseman said he never closed the door on signing a long-term extension with Columbus or demanded a trade. He also acknowledged that the situation became more complicated than he and general manager Don Waddell intended.
“I felt like it was misconstrued a little bit how I felt,” Werenski said. “The only thing I can go off of is mine and Don’s conversations. We’ve had great conversations since right when the season ended.”
Werenski added that he has been honest about wanting to remain with the Blue Jackets throughout his 10-year NHL career.
“I think everyone knows how much I love this city and how much it means to me and I would have no issues being here for an even longer time,” he said.
Blue Jackets Must Take Next Step
Werenski’s desire to remain in Columbus is closely tied to the team’s ability to end its long playoff drought.
The Blue Jackets have not reached the Stanley Cup Playoffs since 2020 and came close to ending that drought last season before collapsing down the stretch.
Columbus went 3-9-1 over its final 13 games after holding a playoff position on March 21. The late-season slide ultimately kept the Blue Jackets out of the postseason.
“I think it starts with us leaders,” Werenski said. “I definitely don’t think we dragged enough guys into the fight. On certain nights, when it wasn’t going well, we didn’t have enough push and I feel like that starts with the older guys.”
Werenski also acknowledged that he struggled during the team’s late-season collapse, recording just two goals and six points over his final 13 games.
Werenski Coming Off Norris Trophy Season
Despite Columbus’ disappointing finish, Werenski enjoyed another outstanding individual season.
He recorded 22 goals and 59 assists for 81 points in 75 games, finishing second among NHL defensemen in scoring. He also averaged 26:37 of ice time per game.
The performance earned Werenski his first Norris Trophy after he finished second in voting the previous season with a career-high 82 points.
Werenski has also established himself as one of the most productive defensemen in Blue Jackets history. He ranks second in franchise history with 465 points in 642 games, trailing only Rick Nash.
He also helped the United States win a gold medal at the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics, recording the primary assist on Jack Hughes’ gold-medal-winning goal.
Columbus Adds Pieces for Playoff Push
The Blue Jackets made moves during the offseason that Werenski believes can help the team take the next step.
Columbus acquired forward Valeri Nichushkin from the Colorado Avalanche in June and signed forward Ryan Lomberg in free agency.
The additions come after the Blue Jackets fell just short of the playoffs in each of the past two seasons.
“A lot of us are pretty unhappy with how the last two years have gone at the end of the seasons,” Werenski said. “We’re right there as a group. It’s just doing it now and taking these next steps and they’ve added some pieces to help us do that.”
Werenski Could Become Blue Jackets Captain
Werenski could also take on an even larger leadership role following the departure of longtime captain Boone Jenner, who signed with the Washington Capitals on July 1.
The defenseman said he would welcome the opportunity to become Columbus’ next captain.
“I was fortunate enough to learn from guys like Nick Foligno and ‘Booner,’ guys that have worn it before and what it means to them, what it means to the city and I definitely feel like I’m capable of it,” Werenski said. “But we’ll see.”
For Werenski, however, the biggest priority remains winning.
The Blue Jackets open the 2026-27 season Oct. 1 against the Buffalo Sabres, with seven of their first nine games scheduled to be played at home. A strong start could be crucial as Columbus looks to finally end its playoff drought and give Werenski another reason to remain in Ohio long term.
