If this offseason proved anything, it's that general manager Danny Briere is willing to take aggressive chances to help improve the Philadelphia Flyers. That was evident with the Leo Carlsson offer sheet, which was ultimately matched by the Anaheim Ducks. So, Flyers fans are wondering who Briere's next big target will be in the future.
One star that came up as a potential option for the Flyers was Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman and reigning Norris Trophy winner Zach Werenski. With talks about his future in Columbus in question at this year's NHL Draft, the buzz was that he could very well be on his way out. During that time, TSN NHL insider Pierre LeBrun mentioned that the Flyers were a team with interest in Werenski. After a vetoed trade to the Dallas Stars, Werenski declared his commitment to the Blue Jackets.
Over a month later, Werenski spoke with reporters on Thursday, where he discussed his future with the Blue Jackets. Werenski reiterated his commitment to the Blue Jackets, but with a catch.
Zach Werenski maintains commitment to Blue Jackets
When asked about his future with the team, Werenski stressed that while he hopes to be with the team for the foreseeable future, he wants the team to start winning.
"I want to see us in the playoffs and make progress. I feel like we've done that," Werenski said, h/t ESPN. "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. I fully plan on doing that this year and be an even better player and leader. Hopefully, that means I'm here even longer."
So, there is a chance that Werenski could become available down the line, especially if the Blue Jackets don't make it back to the playoffs. It's important to note that Werenski is under contract for the next two seasons, where he would then become an unrestricted free agent.
This past season, the Blue Jackets looked destined to make the playoffs. However, the team missed out after going 3-9-1 in the final 13 games of the season, forcing them to finish well outside of a playoff spot. it resulted in Blue Jackets head coach Rick Bowness, who helped turn the team around earlier this calendar, to rip into the team, accusing the players of not caring enough about losing. Werenski disagreed with the assessment that the players don't care about losing games.
“I have a ton of respect for him. He loves us as players, and we love him as a coach,” Werenski said, h/t Sportsnet. “We need to learn how to win, and he can help us with that. He’s been around a long time and knows what it takes. We haven’t done it enough — it’s clear. But saying we don’t care or don’t hate to lose, I think that’s wrong.”
This offseason, it then led to trade talks and reports. In fact, the Blue Jackets reportedly accepted a trade offer from the Stars, which Werenski vetoed. After Werenski spoke with general manager Don Waddell, the two got on the same page, and Werenski is staying for the 2026-27 season, at minimum.
Flyers willl have to play the waiting game for Zach Werenski
The Flyers, and any other team with interest in Werenski, will have to wait and see how the upcoming season goes for the Blue Jackets. Werenski is not yet ready to sign a contract extension with the Blue Jackets, but that can change if they can get into legitimate playoff and Stanley Cup contention. If the team looks no closer to making it back in the playoffs, then things will get interesting.
The Flyers will have a need for a top defenseman in the near future, as Rasmus Ristolainen is set to be a free agent after this upcoming season. Even with the team having Travis Sanheim, Jamie Drysdale, and Cam York, who are all under contract for the foreseeable future, the Flyers could stand to stack up their defense. Putting in Werenski, who is not only a great defender, but a great puck-mover and scorer too. That would certainly help, especially if they want to improve their power play.
While adding Werenski would be a dream come true for Flyers fans, it doesn't appear like there will be anything imminent. Maybe if things in Columbus go south this season. But as of now, Werenski is not a trade option for Philadelphia.
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