Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski released a statement on his future with the Blue Jackets, saying he will stay with the club.
It recently became known that Werenski was unhappy in Columbus and looking for a change of scenery after spending the first 10 years of his career in Ohio’s capital city.
However, after Werenski blocked a trade to the Dallas Stars on June 30, it became clear that he had a change of heart about leaving Columbus, and on July 1, he released a statement in which he pledged his commitment to the only NHL franchise he’s ever known.
Blue Jackets Statement From Zach Werenski
“Don and I have had very open and honest dialogue since the season ended. Ideally, this wouldnât have become such a public thing but that is the world we live in now and everything got blown out of proportion in my opinion. I want to win and I want to do that in Columbus. As Iâve thought about things and discussed everything with my wife and family, we want to be in Columbus. It has been my home for the past 10 years and I have always been proud to be a Blue Jacket. We have the best fans in the NHL. I love my teammates and coaches and Iâm looking forward to doing everything I can to get us back in the playoffs to compete for a Stanley Cup. Don and I are completely aligned on that and are excited about whatâs to come with our team,” Werenski said in a statement posted on the team’s X.
Blue Jackets Statement From Don Waddell
“Earlier this spring, Zach and I met and talked about his future with the Blue Jackets beyond his current contract and he indicated that he wasnât sure what the future would hold with regards to staying with the club or possibly moving on. During those discussions, we talked about me exploring opportunities to move him now and we all agreed if there was a deal to be made that I would bring it to him. We found something that would work for the club and took it to him. After some time and discussions with his family, Zach informed us that he didnât want to leave Columbus,” Blue Jackets GM Waddell said in his statement.
“He has invested a great deal in this organization and after coming close and falling short the past two seasons, his desire is to win here and get this team back into the playoffs. The past two seasons have been very challenging ones, but also ones of growth for our team. Our goals from ownership on down and Zachâs goals are the same… to win now, return to the Stanley Cup Playoffs and win a Stanley Cup. Our city and fans deserve nothing less and we are all on the same page working towards that end. Zach has been a very important part of this organization and our community for a long time, and we couldnât be happier that he will continue to be moving forward.”
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