Zach Werenski is coming off a huge 2025–2026 season. He has one year left on his contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets, but he does not plan to re-sign. As a result, speculation is running wild about where Werenski might end up. NHL insider Bryan Hayes believes Toronto is a good fit, but says it’s up to Auston Matthews to help make that happen.
“He better be calling Werenski off the hook,” Hayes said on the OverDrive podcast.
Zach Werenski was drafted eighth overall by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the 2015 NHL Draft. Over the past ten years in Columbus, he has developed into one of the best defensemen in the world.
READ MORE: Insider says Maple Leafs have major Auston Matthews problem
Zach Werenski career stats
In each of the past two seasons, Werenski has recorded more than 80 points. Meanwhile, he has also won a World Championship gold medal, a Norris Trophy, and an Olympic gold medal with Team USA over the past two years. However, that individual success has not translated into team success with the Blue Jackets. Columbus has not reached the playoffs since the 2019–2020 season. Furthermore, with just one year remaining on his six-year contract, Werenski reportedly does not intend to re-sign with the Blue Jackets.
Possible trade deal
That means one of the best players in the league could soon be available. However, acquiring him would come at a steep price—at least if you ask the OverDrive panel.
“Werenski is a top-five defenseman in the league, the reigning Norris Trophy winner. That guy, it’s not far off the Quinn Hughes pursuit. So if he’s available, it’s going to cost a king’s ransom,” Bryan Hayes said on Monday.
Auston Matthews to make a call
However, the Toronto Maple Leafs may not have enough trade assets to put together a blockbuster package. Instead, Hayes believes Werenski’s close friend, Auston Matthews, should take matters into his own hands and make a call to his Olympic teammate.
“They don’t have the package to offer to get him here. Apparently, him and Matthews are very close. I hope Matthews, if the NHL is moving into NBA territory—the NBA is all about the players recruiting the players—he better be calling Werenski off the hook, saying, ‘You want to be up here. I’m telling you, last year was a mirage; that’s not real. I’m healthy, we’re ready.’ I hope he’s doing that,” Hayes said.
You can watch the podcast below.
READ MORE: Jim Hiller wants more from team captain Auston Matthews
