As NHL trade speculation heats up ahead of the new season, the Toronto Maple Leafs are among the teams most frequently linked to Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski. Sources say the league’s current Norris Trophy holder is drawing a lot of interest around the league with 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 about a potential move. But, to land one of the best blueliners in the league, Toronto will likely have to give up some premium pieces.
Toronto Maple Leafs are pursuing NHL trade Columbus Blue Jackets star Zach Werenski
The Toronto Maple Leafs are looking at the possibility of trading for Zach Werenski, but league analysts believe the asking price could be one of the biggest of the offseason.Toronto has been looking for a true No. 1 defenseman for several seasons who can impact any situation on the ice. That’s Werenski, who is coming off a Norris Trophy-winning season where he had 81 points and 22 goals.His ability to contribute offensively, as well as tough defensive jobs, places him among the most valuable blue liners in the league.
| category | Details |
| Player | Zach Werenski |
| Current team | Columbus Blue Jackets |
| Noise teams | Toronto Maple Leafs, Dallas Stars, Vegas Golden Knights, Philadelphia Flyers, Carolina Hurricanes |
| Contract status | Signed through the 2027-28 season with unrestricted free agency eligibility in 2028; the contract protection clauses apply during the 2026-27 campaign. |
| Salary Cap Hit (New Team) | About $9.58 million AAV against the salary cap. |
| Probability Trading | Moderate to high; driven by league-wide speculation surrounding his long-term future and the premium value attached to a Norris Trophy-winning defenseman. |
| Key reason for interest | Elite two-way defenseman capable of handling superior defensive duties while producing offensively at an elite level. |
| Maple Leafs connection | Strong friendship with Auston Matthews during his time representing the US men’s national ice hockey team in international competition. |
| The latest Insider update | TSN’s OverDrive analysts described Werenski’s price as “a king’s ransom,” with Toronto expected to face stiff competition if Columbus entertains offers. |
| Potential return | Columbus will likely look for NHL-ready roster players, top prospects and premium draft assets rather than a package focused solely on future picks. |
| The biggest hurdle for Toronto | Columbus price tag without significantly weakening the core of the current Maple Leafs roster. |
Because NHL analysts expect a massive trade package
On 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 reigning Norris Trophy winner will cost a “king’s ransom,” and O’Neill wondered if Toronto has enough good to actually make this trade now.
How Auston Matthews could affect the situation
O’Neill also noted 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. Player recruitment is more prevalent in the NBA, but some analysts think Matthews could try to convince Werenski that Toronto provides a real opportunity to compete for a Stanley Cup.For now, it appears the Columbus Blue Jackets are focused on getting the most for Werenski’s trade value should they decide to move their franchise defenseman.