The Zach Werenski trade saga has a frontrunner. On Monday’s “Insider Trading,” Pierre LeBrun reported that the Tampa Bay Lightning are the reigning Norris Trophy winner’s team of choice. Werenski is considered unlikely to sign an extension with Columbus, and the Blue Jackets are listening to offers, with GM Don Waddell seeking immediate roster help rather than a package built on picks and prospects. It’s a notable escalation from where things stood two weeks ago, when no trade request had been communicated.
The complicating factor is the contract. Werenski, 28, is signed through 2027-28 at a cap hit just over $9.5 million and holds a full no-movement clause, meaning he’d have to approve any destination, and he can’t be extended until July 1, 2027. That’s why LeBrun framed a third team as a real possibility, squaring Columbus’s desire for roster help with Tampa’s cap sheet may require one. The Lightning cleared some blue-line room by moving Darren Raddysh in a sign-and-trade, and while Tampa is the preferred fit, Dallas, Toronto, reportedly the only Canadian team Werenski would waive for, and Philadelphia are also pushing. Werenski is coming off a career-best 22 goals and 81 points in 75 games en route to his first Norris.
Additional Notes:
The Rangers are still after Nikishin. On the FAN Hockey Show, Elliotte Friedman reported that New York offered picks including a first-rounder for Carolina defenseman Alexander Nikishin, but the Hurricanes have been firm that the price must include a roster player, not just picks, and the Rangers are trying again, with Nikishin said to be happy at the idea of the move. The 24-year-old pending RFA won the Cup as a rookie this past season (11 goals, 33 points, an All-Rookie nod) and is seeking north of $8 million annually; Carolina grew more willing to move him after acquiring John Carlson‘s signing rights.
Sergei Bobrovsky‘s asking price on a new contract remains high. On Real Kyper & Bourne, Nick Kypreos said Bobrovsky’s ask is in the neighborhood of six years and $40-42 million as he approaches unrestricted free agency. The two-time Vezina winner turns 38 in September and is coming off a career-worst season on a Panthers team that missed the playoffs. After Florida acquired both Akira Schmid and Jacob Markström over the past two days, Bobrovsky will prepare to hit the open market Wednesday and join his fourth franchise as he heads into his 17th season.
