{"time":1782781793607,"blocks":[{"id":"sAmcGuEGZN","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"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. "}},{"id":"ixPeeEc3LC","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"But just as the Zach Werenski bidding war was starting to get into 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. "}},{"id":"tWnNKq498j","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"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. "}},{"id":"mqzac85p","type":"video","data":{"url":"https://us-central1-deweb-519a7.cloudfunctions.net/mediaService-api/videos/fc1218e4-e878-40a4-a409-0a2b4f1c876e/mp4","caption":"","autoplay":false,"controls":true,"muted":false,"stretched":true,"width":0,"height":0,"image":{"url":"https://us-central1-deweb-519a7.cloudfunctions.net/mediaService-api/videos/fc1218e4-e878-40a4-a409-0a2b4f1c876e/thumbnail"},"cdn":{"videoId":"fc1218e4-e878-40a4-a409-0a2b4f1c876e","libraryId":"372172","collectionId":"30032062-eefd-4041-a355-12ad05bc987b","cdnBaseUrl":"https://vz-052fc010-b27.b-cdn.net","mp4Url":"https://us-central1-deweb-519a7.cloudfunctions.net/mediaService-api/videos/fc1218e4-e878-40a4-a409-0a2b4f1c876e/mp4","thumbnailUrl":"https://us-central1-deweb-519a7.cloudfunctions.net/mediaService-api/videos/fc1218e4-e878-40a4-a409-0a2b4f1c876e/thumbnail","previewAnimationUrl":"https://vz-052fc010-b27.b-cdn.net/fc1218e4-e878-40a4-a409-0a2b4f1c876e/preview.webp"}}},{"id":"h72Eh1SRQZ","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"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. "}},{"id":"I0PIeqP8zY","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"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. "}},{"id":"uBBQlNUKZ5","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"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. "}},{"id":"QHxwv8oWef","type":"embed","data":{"service":"twitter","source":"https://twitter.com/c0wboylikec/status/2071617747805499669","embed":"https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?id=2071617747805499669","width":600,"height":300,"caption":"","meta":{"title":"chelsi. (@c0wboylikec) on X","site_name":"X (formerly Twitter)","description":"@F1RETHECANNON It’s just massively disappointing. We’ve had guys come and go and ask out but Zach to me was always different and it’s just puzzling to me that a guy that stuck through all of it suddenly decides he wants out when it looked like a corner was being turned. None of it makes sense","image":{"url":"https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1829541837406642176/ZlPJD29G_200x200.jpg","type":"jpg"}}}},{"id":"fYM4ucdiby","type":"embed","data":{"service":"twitter","source":"https://twitter.com/hoohoohooIU/status/2071616564026073179","embed":"https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?id=2071616564026073179","width":600,"height":300,"caption":"","meta":{"title":"🏆 Coach Herman B Wells (@hoohoohooIU) on X","site_name":"X (formerly Twitter)","description":"@F1RETHECANNON Eventually we have to get a team of guys that want to play in Cbus. If it doesn’t happen next season, then this offseason needs to be all about making it happen as soon as possible (i.e. get rid of 8 and 86 before October)","image":{"url":"https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1889488195248631808/HdsOHpa1_200x200.jpg","type":"jpg"}}}},{"id":"r_DRQFDi3O","type":"embed","data":{"service":"twitter","source":"https://twitter.com/osubluejacket/status/2071615871189918037","embed":"https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?id=2071615871189918037","width":600,"height":300,"caption":"","meta":{"title":"Jonathan Barnes 🍕 (@osubluejacket) on X","site_name":"X (formerly Twitter)","description":"@F1RETHECANNON Angry. Disappointed. Frustrated. \n\nThis organization needs to start winning and they need to start prioritizing winning above all else or else players will keep leaving and the team will forever be stuck in mediocrity or worse.","image":{"url":"https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1059922262705537025/1hMpBQuP_200x200.jpg","type":"jpg"}}}},{"id":"b45fmh73RN","type":"embed","data":{"service":"twitter","source":"https://twitter.com/RyanSantille/status/2071612549544427686","embed":"https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?id=2071612549544427686","width":600,"height":300,"caption":"","meta":{"title":"Ryan Santille (@RyanSantille) on X","site_name":"X (formerly Twitter)","description":"@F1RETHECANNON Too much panic in the fan base. Move them both and keep moving","image":{"url":"https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1287064331839057921/fJhwPbTW_200x200.jpg","type":"jpg"}}}},{"id":"PdvQc1vDBN","type":"embed","data":{"service":"twitter","source":"https://twitter.com/jdmillsip/status/2071612483597726009","embed":"https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?id=2071612483597726009","width":600,"height":300,"caption":"","meta":{"title":"John Millsip (@jdmillsip) on X","site_name":"X (formerly Twitter)","description":"@F1RETHECANNON @TheUBSoldiers Many people are ready to blame management/ownership, but seem to ignore that every negotiation has multiple parties involved that need to agree. GMDW is working with a sword of Damocles constantly hanging over him because of how hard it is to convince talent to come to Columbus","image":{"url":"https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1810412184503283712/wKyNWi-Q_200x200.jpg","type":"jpg"}}}},{"id":"skh4oxn6Le","type":"embed","data":{"service":"twitter","source":"https://twitter.com/MartiniHockey/status/2071609098831819133","embed":"https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?id=2071609098831819133","width":600,"height":300,"caption":"","meta":{"title":"Martini Hockey (@MartiniHockey) on X","site_name":"X (formerly Twitter)","description":"@F1RETHECANNON @TheUBSoldiers Amazing how, in the span of a week or so… our fan base has seen things shift from the most important offseason in history, to a speculation-fueled tire fire. #CBJ","image":{"url":"https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1708855996183969792/9yXCNW6Z_200x200.jpg","type":"jpg"}}}},{"id":"ibrU2IIQIa","type":"embed","data":{"service":"twitter","source":"https://twitter.com/austinburns225/status/2071606679028818129","embed":"https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?id=2071606679028818129","width":600,"height":300,"caption":"","meta":{"title":"Arst (@austinburns225) on X","site_name":"X (formerly Twitter)","description":"@F1RETHECANNON Bottom line for me is as long as we have a team to root for I will always be grateful. There are several cities who would love to have a franchise. \n\nThat being said, we will get a haul for both werenski and marchenko if we trade them.","image":{"url":"https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1829527366332293120/ZHtiYq-B_200x200.jpg","type":"jpg"}}}},{"id":"TEYTCBdAB1","type":"embed","data":{"service":"twitter","source":"https://twitter.com/GrantsCrossing/status/2071619034492043470","embed":"https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?id=2071619034492043470","width":600,"height":300,"caption":"","meta":{"title":"H.M.S. Brown - Author (@GrantsCrossing) on X","site_name":"X (formerly Twitter)","description":"@F1RETHECANNON @TheUBSoldiers I’m fine with Z but the thought of losing Marchy? My favorite player? Breaks my heart.\n\nThat said, if they want out, rather lose them sooner rather than later.\n\nAnd here’s hoping they go to Western Conference teams so we only play them twice / year. (and the Cup finals!)","image":{"url":"https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1917228755136786433/nAwii1N5_200x200.jpg","type":"jpg"}}}},{"id":"kfdz9Zx3jl","type":"embed","data":{"service":"twitter","source":"https://twitter.com/dlenks/status/2071619280345424133","embed":"https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?id=2071619280345424133","width":600,"height":300,"caption":"","meta":{"title":"DLenks (@dlenks) on X","site_name":"X (formerly Twitter)","description":"@c0wboylikec @F1RETHECANNON It’s because he realizes a corner is actually not being turned… as a Jackets fan who’s tired of it, I don’t blame him. Go have an actual shot at hoisting the cup somewhere else. I just hope our FO gets a haul in return.","image":{"url":"https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1581335673084284933/qZYq0CEd_200x200.jpg","type":"jpg"}}}},{"id":"9l9aM-Dxh3","type":"embed","data":{"service":"twitter","source":"https://x.com/5thLineHillard/status/2071601347728740641?s=20","embed":"https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?id=2071601347728740641","width":600,"height":300,"caption":"","meta":{"title":"Makayla (@5thLineHillard) on X","site_name":"X (formerly Twitter)","description":"@F1RETHECANNON It’s always 2 steps forward and 3 steps back. It feels like they’re waiting around for the absolute perfect trade that essentially robs another team while other teams around us continue to improve in the off season. We need big moves already to make our team happy.","image":{"url":"https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1912677768703160321/yPfJI-u3_200x200.jpg","type":"jpg"}}}},{"id":"jsH47ZBqLP","type":"embed","data":{"service":"twitter","source":"https://x.com/CBJinkie/status/2071601326174117971?s=20","embed":"https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?id=2071601326174117971","width":600,"height":300,"caption":"","meta":{"title":"ℑ. 𝔉𝔞𝔠𝔱 ❤️💙🩶 (@CBJinkie) on X","site_name":"X (formerly Twitter)","description":"@F1RETHECANNON Supporting a team who continues to show us they don’t care. Where are the McConnells? They are completely silent they have been. We deserve better! The fans who continue to show up and spend our money on this team. The team used to bring me joy now I just feel sadness. I have no","image":{"url":"https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/2061860345094766593/GvG-0erw_200x200.jpg","type":"jpg"}}}},{"id":"7h7tdb0vOS","type":"embed","data":{"service":"twitter","source":"https://x.com/xancar5/status/2071617801538654460?s=20","embed":"https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?id=2071617801538654460","width":600,"height":300,"caption":"","meta":{"title":"Xander (@xancar5) on X","site_name":"X (formerly Twitter)","description":"@F1RETHECANNON Tired... I don't really want to watch the NHL let alone the CBJ anymore. What's the point when the players leave even when the team is expected to be good. I have a sliver of hope that Z is not traded and is impressed next off-season and with KM its just Milstein tampering again.","image":{"url":"https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/2012662389661966336/kjgH4J2F_200x200.jpg","type":"jpg"}}}},{"id":"StIr9E15El","type":"embed","data":{"service":"twitter","source":"https://x.com/VonJargonBoone/status/2071610713228067000?s=20","embed":"https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?id=2071610713228067000","width":600,"height":300,"caption":"","meta":{"title":"Dustin (@VonJargonBoone) on X","site_name":"X (formerly Twitter)","description":"@F1RETHECANNON The first day accepting that 8 and 86 are on the way out was just crushing. Finally we have potential, we're back on track, or so it seemed. Hope at its highest in years, just to have it ripped away. The only way now I can not panic is keep faith in Don & pray for a real return.","image":{"url":"https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/2062159345542938624/QghKhyiq_200x200.jpg","type":"jpg"}}}},{"id":"EjxSbPzw8p","type":"embed","data":{"service":"twitter","source":"https://x.com/olebuckeyes/status/2071601360609357992?s=20","embed":"https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?id=2071601360609357992","width":600,"height":300,"caption":"","meta":{"title":"olebuckeye (@olebuckeyes) on X","site_name":"X (formerly Twitter)","description":"@F1RETHECANNON It might be impossible to feel anymore defeated. This feels like a real life documentary where this team ends up being the Austin Outlaws. Columbus to Austin pipeline has this city in PTSD mode.","image":{"url":"https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/2046721748805001216/q0S5swD2_200x200.jpg","type":"jpg"}}}},{"id":"7-Mm8HEZtX","type":"embed","data":{"service":"twitter","source":"https://x.com/skyvendrake/status/2071610283664060579?s=20","embed":"https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?id=2071610283664060579","width":600,"height":300,"caption":"","meta":{"title":"skyvendrake (@skyvendrake) on X","site_name":"X (formerly Twitter)","description":"@F1RETHECANNON It seems as though management has lost grip of the franchise’s direction. A true domino effect, Z expressed his uncertainty which left Marchy feeling uncertain.\n\nThe end-all be-all is that this team as currently constructed can’t go much of anywhere with this noise around.","image":{"url":"https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/1204119642014441472/jb-jBVXp_200x200.jpg","type":"jpg"}}}},{"id":"mKSwHyjL0d","type":"embed","data":{"service":"twitter","source":"https://x.com/SavageCFam06/status/2071611287360901618?s=20","embed":"https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?id=2071611287360901618","width":600,"height":300,"caption":"","meta":{"title":"Cory Savage (@SavageCFam06) on X","site_name":"X (formerly Twitter)","description":"@F1RETHECANNON Confused. Why are both wanting out?\nFrustrated. Why is this happening before/during the draft?\nDisappointed. Two very good players, one a leader of the team, doing this through the media & not privately.\nHopeless. Does team have a plan for now & the future?","image":{"url":"https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/2070196330341847040/J17ifhbN_200x200.jpg","type":"jpg"}}}},{"id":"OlwiW8v64l","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"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. "}},{"id":"xXqr1CpDLJ","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"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. "}},{"id":"6bS-ZaCA1v","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Next Up For Columbus: Free Agency starts on July 1st. Will the CBJ be players?"}},{"id":"m1yHVlYp59","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Stay updated with the most interesting Blue Jackets stories, analysis, breaking news, and more!"}},{"id":"-wZk4ytMvz","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News and never miss a story."}},{"id":"nInIN7l4Mo","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Let us know what you think below."}},{"id":"g6RooUAerW","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum."}}],"version":"2.31.6"}

Former Columbus Asst. General Manager Bill Zito Named A Finalist For General Manager of the Year Award