As NHL trade speculation heats up ahead of the new season, the Toronto Maple Leafs are among the teams most linked to Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski. Sources say the league’s Norris Trophy winner is now attracting interest from the league and questions about his long-term future in Columbus.Werenski’s elite production from the blue line and his close relationship with Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews have only fueled speculation that he could be on the move. But, in order to get one of the best players in the league, Toronto may have to give up valuable pieces.
The Toronto Maple Leafs are pursuing an NHL trade for Columbus Blue Jackets star Zach Werenski
The Toronto Maple Leafs are looking to trade Zach Werenski, but league experts believe the asking price could be one of the biggest in the game.Toronto has been looking for a true No. 1 defense for several seasons that can impact every aspect of the ice. So is Werenski, coming off a Norris Trophy winning season where he scored 81 points and 22 goals.His ability to contribute offensively while also working defensively makes him one of the most valuable players in the league.
| Group | Details |
| A player | Zach Werenski |
| Current Team | Columbus Blue Jackets |
| Rumored Teams | Toronto Maple Leafs, Dallas Stars, Vegas Golden Knights, Philadelphia Flyers, Carolina Hurricanes |
| Contractual Agreement | Signed through the 2027-28 season with unrestricted free agency eligibility in 2028; The contract protection clauses apply to the 2026-27 campaign. |
| Salary Cap Hit (New Team) | About $9.58 million AAV versus salary cap. |
| Trade Possibility | Medium to High; led by all kinds of speculation about his long-term future and the price tag attached to the defending Norris Trophy. |
| A Great Reason for Interest | An elite two-way defender who can handle high-level defensive duties while producing offense at a high level. |
| The Maple Leafs partnership | Strong friendship with Auston Matthews through their time representing the United States men’s ice hockey team at the world championships. |
| Latest Insider Updates | Analysts at TSN’s OverDrive described Werenski’s price as a “king’s bargain,” with Toronto expected to face heavy competition if Columbus offers. |
| Possible Returns | Columbus could be looking for NHL-ready players, top prospects, and salary cap items instead of a package focused on future draft picks. |
| The Biggest Obstacle in Toronto | Matching Columbus’ asking price without weakening the base of the current Maple Leafs roster. |
Why NHL players expect big trade packages
In recent episodes of TSN’s OverDrive, analysts Bryan Hayes and Jeff O’Neill said Werenski’s value is comparable to some of the biggest trade targets in the NHL.Hayes said the Norris Trophy winner would cost “a king’s deposit,” and O’Neill wondered if Toronto had enough assets to make a trade right now.
How Auston Matthews can affect the situation
O’Neill also saw the close relationship between Auston Matthews and Werenski during their time with Team USA as something to watch.Both players have represented the United States internationally and remain close to the ice. Drafting is very common in the NBA, but some experts think that Matthews could try to convince Werenski that Toronto offers a real chance to compete for the Stanley Cup.At this point, it appears that the Columbus Blue Jackets are focused on getting a trade deal for Werenski if they decide to move the defenseman.