The NHL trade market could soon see one of the biggest stories of the offseason, as reigning Norris Trophy winner Zach Werenski has become a player to watch.

The Columbus Blue Jackets have not said they plan to trade their star defenseman, but several reports say other teams are getting ready to make strong trade offers if he becomes available.

Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman said during the 2026 NHL Draft broadcast that the Dallas Stars and Philadelphia Flyers are expected to be among the most aggressive teams trying to trade for Werenski. NHL Muse also shared Friedman's comments on X, bringing even more attention to the growing interest in the star defenseman.

"There was a lot of noise around Werenski over the last few weeks," Friedman said. "There is word that he has informed the Blue Jackets that he will not extend after the next two years of his deal, and it's kind of in Columbus' hands on how they want to handle it.”

According to PHI Hockey Now, Friedman said the trade discussions have begun, with Dallas and Philadelphia showing strong interest if Columbus decides to move Werenski.

“They have started opening talks; they are at least discussing it with other teams. I don't know how I would handicap the likelihood, but there is interest. Dallas and Philadelphia are among the teams expected to be very aggressive."

If Columbus decides to listen to trade offers, the Flyers could be one of the top teams interested. PHI Hockey Now reported that Philadelphia wants a true No.

1 defenseman, and Zach Werenski is a perfect fit. After winning the Norris Trophy, he would also give the Dallas Stars a top defenseman to help their Stanley Cup hopes.

Flyers have assets, but the asking price could be enormous

PHIHockeyNow also reported that Zach Werenski would be a great fit for the Flyers, but Columbus would ask for a very big trade package. Philadelphia has enough top prospects and draft picks to make a strong offer. Still, the Blue Jackets do not have to trade one of the NHL's best defensemen.

The Hockey News, reporting on comments from NHL insider Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic, said that at least 12 teams are expected to ask about Werenski. The report also said Columbus will likely want a huge return if it decides to trade him.

With questions about Kirill Marchenko's future, the Blue Jackets may not want to lose another star player. That is why any Werenski trade could be one of the hardest deals to complete this offseason.

For Philadelphia, the reason is simple. Zach Werenski is one of the NHL's best defensemen; he is in his prime, and he fills the Flyers' biggest need. But the biggest question is whether the Flyers or the Stars will pay the high price Columbus wants.

Trade talks are expected to continue around the league, and Werenski's future could become one of the biggest stories of the NHL offseason. If Columbus decides to trade him, both Dallas and Philadelphia are expected to make strong offers.

What do you think? Which team, if any, will be willing to pay the price for one of hockey's best defensemen? Let us know in the comments. 

Read more at the NHL Fan Central.

Written by

Kapil Manghnani

Edited by

Kaamna Dwivedi