Zach Werenski doubled down on his desire to stay with the Columbus Blue Jackets on Thursday in his first time speaking to the media following an offseason rife with trade rumors.
"I'm just really happy with how it all unfolded, and I'm still wearing this hoodie today with a Blue Jackets logo on it," Werenski told reporters, including Dave Maetzold. "This is where I want to be. I've felt that way from Day 1."
A report in late June indicated that the Blue Jackets were listening to trade offers for Werenski, believing he was unlikely to sign an extension next summer. The Tampa Bay Lightning were also rumored to be Werenski's preferred landing spot, and the star blue-liner reportedly vetoed a blockbuster trade to the Dallas Stars that would've sent Thomas Harley the other way.
However, Columbus issued a statement from Werenski on July 1, in which the defenseman said, "Everything got blown out of proportion." Werenski reiterated Thursday that he believes most of the rumors were false.
"A lot of the stuff I was learning for the first time reading it. It was stuff I didn't really know about or hear about. It was kind of misconstrued a little bit in how I felt and where I was at," Werenski said.
"With saying that, I know people have jobs to do, and they're getting their information from somewhere, but it definitely wasn't from me. It was tough for a week there, but I'm really happy with the statements and how I feel about everything. I think everyone knows how much this place means to me and how much I like being a Blue Jacket. I want to be part of the reason we have success here."
Werenski is signed for two more seasons with an annual cap hit of $9.58 million. He's eligible to sign an extension on July 1, 2027.
The 29-year-old recorded 22 goals and 81 points in 75 games last season, earning his first career Norris Trophy. He finished as the runner-up for the award in 2024-25, when he posted a career-high 82 points.
Werenski has skated in 29 playoff games in his 10-year NHL career, though none since 2020.
