Blue Jackets' Zach Werenski and Kirill Marchenko join Trade Targets board

Of all the headlines shaping this wild 2026 NHL offseason, the Columbus Blue Jackets are emerging as one of the central figures of the summer.

Columbus has arrived at a crossroads.

Superstar defenseman and newly crowned Norris Trophy winner Zach Werenski has joined Hockey 24/7’s Trade Targets board alongside the Blue Jackets’ best forward in Kirill Marchenko.

Teams have been calling Columbus GM Don Waddell about Marchenko for the last couple weeks, his name percolating in the rumor mill. And while the Blue Jackets are not actively seeking to move Marchenko, a burgeoning star that will be incredibly difficult to replace, that hasn’t stopped teams from wondering whether he’s actually interested in extending in Columbus this summer.

The same is true with Werenski.

To be clear, Werenski has not requested a trade. It will be a sad day whenever he departs Columbus, because he loves the city, the organization and the fanbase. But that reality appears to be approaching - sooner rather than later.

Werenski, 28, has two seasons remaining on his deal at a bargain $9.58 million per season. He is eligible to sign an extension next July. If the Blue Jackets asked Werenski’s camp today to forecast the chances of an extension, they probably would not find a ton of confidence in the reply. Werenski doesn’t want out of Columbus, he wants a chance to compete.

It’s a difficult sell for any player after 26 years of franchise futility that Columbus is finally rounding the corner to becoming a contender. Werenski could become the third Norris Trophy winner from the last four years to change teams.

So the question begs: What path will the Blue Jackets choose?

Will they kick the can down the road a year with Werenski and Marchenko, hoping that a couple additions and a full season under Rick Bowness will turn the tide? Will that be enough to convince them to stay?

Or will they rip the band aid off now and start over?

Captain Boone Jenner is a free agent. Forward Kent Johnson is available and goaltender Elvis Merzlikins is seeking a change in scenery, joining Werenski and Marchenko on the Trade Targets board.

Buckle up. It’s going to be a fascinating summer in central Ohio.

Here is our latest list of 40 players in play, where the ranking always seeks to blend a players’ prominence with his likelihood of a trade:

Trade Targets 🎯