I think deep down, all fans of the Columbus Blue Jackets knew that the Zach Werenski situation could pop up one of these days. He's thrown out hints and messages for over a year now; surely someone knew. 

But just as the Zach Werenski bidding war was starting to get in full swing, Kirill Marchenko's agent, Dan Milstein, dropped a nuke on the city of Columbus at the draft on Friday night via ESPN's Kevin Weekes by announcing that the Russian winger would not be extending in Columbus. A source told THN-Columbus that night that it was a "never extending" as opposed to a "not right now" scenario. We'll see about that. 

Things could change, as this could be Milstein kicking the Jackets while they're down, trying to get more money for Marchenko. The Rangers traded for Pavel Dorofeyev and then signed him to an $11 million extension. Many thought that this was Milstein trying to get Marchenko more money, since it's possible Don Waddell offered much less before this. There are better ways to do that, but this may be the case. There has to be a better way to negotiate. 

Fans have begun pointing fingers, and most of them are directed solely at CBJ ownership. Whether that's who they should be blaming or not is up to you, but there is plenty of blame to go around. We won't speculate as to who should shoulder the most blame; we'll leave that up to you. 

Missing the playoffs for six straight years, and now possibly losing your two leading scorers, is unacceptable. Of course, as I said, there is plenty of blame to go around, and both Werenski and Marchenko can look at themselves in the mirror too. 

Let's take a look at some fan reactions after digesting all this past weekend. There was a wide variety of answers, but one common theme: Disappointing. 

Something positive has to happen for this franchise, and it has to start with the trade of Zach Werenski. Nobody wants to see him gone, but that ship has probably already sailed. You have to trade him now while his value is at an all-time high. 

The reigning Norris Trophy winner, Gold Medal winner, and points leader for the CBJ the last two years carries a lot of weight. Do your best to get the biggest return possible. 

Next Up For Columbus: Free Agency starts on July 1st. Will the CBJ be players?

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