Zach Werenski told Rick Bowness and Columbus exactly where his focus sits now: winning, not another summer of trade questions.
Werenski addressed reporters Thursday for the first time since his name dominated trade speculation earlier this offseason and made it clear he wants the subject put away.
He said his focus after Thursday would be entirely on helping the Blue Jackets win, drawing a firm line under questions about what comes next in his career.
That follows a turbulent stretch with Don Waddell in which Werenski's comments during exit meetings reportedly led Columbus to explore the trade market.
Werenski pushed back on one important detail. He said he never formally requested a trade and never definitively told management he wouldn't sign another contract in Columbus.
Instead, he described the situation as a miscommunication that grew into something much larger, forcing him and Waddell to reconnect and get the relationship back on track.
"After today, my focus is fully on our team winning," Werenski said. "I'm not going to answer questions about my future. That's why today was important to kind of get these out of the way."
-
Zach Werenski finally speaks out after blockbuster trade falls apart
The biggest moment came when Dallas reportedly constructed a deal around Thomas Harley and other assets. Werenski used his full no-move protection to reject the proposed destination.
That decision matters now. If Werenski truly wanted out at any cost, he had an opportunity to approve a major move and chose not to take it.
Columbus also enters the new season needing results. The Blue Jackets finished 40-30-12 with 92 points and an even goal differential.
Winning would quiet this story faster than another statement. Another season outside the playoffs would bring every unanswered question about Werenski's long-term future right back.
There is also a leadership decision approaching. Boone Jenner's departure left the captaincy vacant, and Werenski is widely viewed as a leading candidate as Bowness prepares to make that call during camp.
Werenski still has 2 seasons remaining on his current contract, giving Columbus time while ensuring the extension question isn't disappearing permanently.
The next major date arrives July 1, when Werenski becomes eligible to extend with the Blue Jackets. Until then, his performance and Columbus' direction will carry more weight than summer speculation.
For now, Werenski has made his position clear. He rejected one major trade possibility, repaired communication with management and wants the conversation moved back to hockey.
The trade saga isn't guaranteed to be finished forever. But Werenski has decided he is finished talking about it, putting the pressure on Columbus to make winning the story instead.
Source : Zach Werenski forced to confront trade saga head-on in Columbus
Will Zach Werenski sign another long-term contract with Columbus?
Also read on Markerzone.com:
Elliotte Friedman drops major update on Red Wings' management search
