With Zach Werenski unlikely to extend in Columbus, let us take another crack at a trade scenario.
The Columbus Blue Jackets find themselves in a familiar situation: Yet another superstar who wants out. This one is very similar to the Rick Nash situation from a dozen years ago.
That being said, it's time to start looking at possible trade scenarios involving teams that could actually afford Werenski and have the assets to pull off a trade of such magnitude.
GM Don Waddell has said he doesn't want picks or throwaways; he wants the players that the team DON'T want to trade. If you want the reigning Norris Trophy winner, you're going to have to pay up.
So, let's take a look at another proposal, which happens to be very realistic.
The Toronto Maple Leafs missed the playoffs for the first time since 2016, and they weren't happy about it. What was their reward for missing the playoffs? Gavin McKenna of course.
They also went out and traded for Darren Raddysh, which bolsters their defense. But, given the opportunity, they would jump on Zach Werenski in a heartbeat.
To CBJ
Matthew Knies - F - 23 Years Old
Matthew Knies is signed to a 6-year, $46,500,000 contract with a cap hit of $7,750,000 per season, which runs until 2031. He doesn't have any trade protection until the 30-31 season. The big winger set career highs in assists and points last season with 43 and 66.
Easton Cowan - F - 21 Years Old
The 2023 28th overall pick has two years left on his ELC. The youngster had 29 points in 66 games this past season. He was optioned to the AHL Marlies for the Calder Cup, and was spectacular. He scored 8 goals and totaled 18 points in 22 games for the Calder Cup champs.
2027 First-Round Pick
The pick was acquired by Toronto in the Nicolas Roy trade to Colorado.
What do you think? Would the Toronto Maple Leafs be motivated enough to make this trade? As Don Waddell said, it's going to take a lot to get the best player in Columbus Blue Jackets history.
Next Up For Columbus: Free Agency starts on July 1st. Will the CBJ be players?
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