NHL general managers are facing a stagnant trade market for high-profile defensemen as the Columbus Blue Jackets resist early inquiries regarding Zach Werenski. According to TSN’s Chris Johnston, frustration is mounting among executives unable to initiate formal trade talks, even as the Blue Jackets evaluate their options following reports that Werenski does not intend to sign an extension.
Why are the Columbus Blue Jackets hesitant to trade Zach Werenski?
Despite reports that 28-year-old defenseman Zach Werenski is unlikely to extend his contract, Columbus Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell faces no immediate pressure to execute a trade. According to Chris Johnston, the organization is currently in a fact-finding phase, having only recently learned of the player’s intentions. With two years remaining on his current deal, the club is prioritizing a strategic assessment of his market value rather than rushing into a transaction.
The Blue Jackets are managing multiple personnel hurdles simultaneously. In addition to the Werenski situation, the club reportedly learned that 25-year-old winger Kirill Marchenko does not intend to sign an extension this summer, leaving the front office to decide whether to trade these assets or risk future distractions.
Is Alexander Romanov available for trade?
While trade rumors have circulated regarding New York Islanders defenseman Alexander Romanov, there is little evidence to suggest the team is actively selling. Stefen Rosner of The Hockey News notes that while other clubs are placing calls, the situation mirrors previous speculation surrounding Mathew Barzal, where inquiries did not lead to a roster move. With Romanov under an eight-year, $50 million contract, the Islanders appear committed to the 26-year-old blueliner despite interest from teams looking to “buy low” following his injury-shortened campaign.
What is the future of Jesperi Kotkaniemi in Carolina?
The Carolina Hurricanes are actively pursuing trade options for center Jesperi Kotkaniemi, though a contract buyout is considered unlikely. Frank Seravalli of Hockey 24/7 reports that the team views the 23-year-old’s $4.8 million average annual value as standard for a third-line center in a rising salary cap environment. Although Kotkaniemi struggled with consistency during the recent season—leading to healthy scratches and no playing time during the postseason—his scarcity as a center makes him a potential reclamation project for interested clubs.
How will the Vegas Golden Knights manage their salary cap?
The Vegas Golden Knights are projected to clear over $13 million in salary-cap space once defenseman Alex Pietrangelo is placed on season-ending long-term injury reserve (LTIR) on July 1, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal. Danny Webster reports that the organization plans to allocate $8 million to $9 million of that available space to finalize a new contract for defenseman Rasmus Andersson. The Golden Knights, who acquired Andersson from the Calgary Flames in January, were previously restricted by league rules that prevented them from finalizing the extension until the new league year begins.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can the Hurricanes save money by buying out Jesperi Kotkaniemi?
Yes, but it is not expected. Because he is under 25, a buyout would cost one-third of the remaining contract value over twice the remaining term. - When does Alexander Romanov receive a no-trade clause?
His no-trade clause does not take effect until July 2025, according to reporting by Stefen Rosner. - Why are the Golden Knights waiting until July 1 to sign Rasmus Andersson?
NHL teams must be cap-compliant by the start of the regular season in October. While teams can exceed the cap by 10 percent during the summer, they cannot officially register certain contracts until the new league year begins on July 1.
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