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Blue Jackets Meet Norris-Winner Werenski to Discuss Future

6/24/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The Columbus Blue Jackets will meet Zach Werenski after the NHL draft to discuss his future.
Werenski is under a six-year contract with a $9.583 million cap hit that may be extended on July 1, 2027.
He won the 2025-26 Norris Trophy and posted 81 points in 75 games with 20 goals.
Werenski earned Olympic gold in February, adding a goal and five assists, and has not requested a trade unlike Dylan Larkin and Brady Tkachuk.

History

Historical Context

The NHL’s first mid-season break in February 1998 let its players compete in Nagano, where the Czech Republic captured gold on 22 February after a 17-day pause. That Olympic success showed how international exposure could raise player value, a pattern echoed today as the Columbus Blue Jackets lock defenseman Zach Werenski into a six-year contract.

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Story summary

The Columbus Blue Jackets will meet Zach Werenski after the NHL draft to discuss his future.
Werenski is under a six-year contract with a $9.583 million cap hit that may be extended on July 1, 2027.
He won the 2025-26 Norris Trophy and posted 81 points in 75 games with 20 goals.
Werenski earned Olympic gold in February, adding a goal and five assists, and has not requested a trade unlike Dylan Larkin and Brady Tkachuk.

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