Toronto Maple Leafs general manager John Chayka has indicated he will take 'bigger swings' in free agency and trades this week, and one potential target is Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski. Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic and TSN reported that the Leafs are the one Canadian team Werenski 'might consider' if Chayka contacts Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell.
Werenski's Availability and Contract
Werenski, 28, has two years remaining on his contract with an average annual value of $9.58 million US. He reportedly will not re-sign in Columbus and holds a full no-movement clause. The defenseman won the Norris Trophy last season after recording 81 points in 75 games, following a career-high 82 points the previous year.
According to Terry Koshan of the Toronto Sun, Werenski would be the No. 1 defenseman on any NHL team except the Colorado Avalanche, who have Cale Makar. A text to Werenski's agent Judd Moldaver was not immediately returned.
Potential Trade Package
Any trade package for Werenski would likely start with winger Matthew Knies, who is not considered untouchable. Other assets could include Easton Cowan, Ben Danford, Dennis Hildeby, Nick Robertson, and a 2027 first-round pick acquired from the Colorado Avalanche in the Nicolas Roy trade. Morgan Rielly could also be included, though he might not waive his no-move clause to go to Columbus.
Koshan notes that acquiring Werenski would create holes in the lineup where Knies and Cowan would have been, and such young players are not available in free agency. However, a rebuilt defense led by Werenski and Darren Raddysh could be formidable.
Other Trade Options
If the Werenski deal proves unrealistic, the Leafs could trade Rielly, though it depends on finding a destination to his liking. Other potential trade targets include defensemen Rasmus Andersson and Jacob Trouba, as well as forwards Patrick Kane, Boone Jenner, Mason Marchment, and Anthony Mantha. A trade involving Rielly and Edmonton Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse is unlikely, as Nurse has not included Toronto on his list of approved trade destinations.
Chayka has emphasized adding depth in free agency but also hinted at larger moves. 'I will take some bigger swings,' he said on Saturday. The free-agent class includes goalie Sergei Bobrovsky, among others.
Impact on Leafs' Future
Koshan describes Chayka's decisions this week as critical for the Leafs' short-term future. Acquiring Werenski would be a blockbuster move, but it would deplete the team's prospect pool. Nevertheless, Chayka is expected to at least explore the possibility by contacting Waddell.
The Leafs have already made changes to their defense, adding Raddysh and Emil Andrae while trading Brandon Carlo and Simon Benoit. Further moves are anticipated as free agency opens Wednesday.
