Leafs' Bold Trade
Toronto Maple Leafs Eye Zach Werenski, Prepare "Bigger Swing" for Star Defenseman
The Toronto Maple Leafs are eyeing the biggest move of new GM John Chayka's young tenure: a trade for Zach Werenski, the reigning Norris Trophy winner and one of the best defensemen in hockey. Werenski posted 81 points in 75 games last season for Columbus, and TSN reports he is willing to waive his full no-movement clause — but only for Toronto.
Chayka told reporters after the NHL Draft in Buffalo that the Leafs have roughly $22 million in cap space and plan to be aggressive. "We will be aggressive, but we'll also make sure we're not doing anything to hurt the future," he said, according to The Hockey News.
Werenski's Historic Season Makes Him a Rare Target
Werenski became the first Columbus Blue Jacket ever to win the Norris Trophy. His 81 points came with an average ice time of 26 minutes and 37 seconds per game, according to NHL.com. He also won Olympic Gold with Team USA at the 2026 Milano-Cortina Games, recording 6 points in 6 games.
His Olympic run is a key reason Toronto is in the picture at all. Werenski played heavy minutes alongside Leafs superstar Auston Matthews, and that chemistry has fueled his "keen interest" in Toronto, The Athletic reported. He holds a full no-movement clause through 2026-27, meaning Columbus cannot move him anywhere without his say.
Chayka Enters Free Agency Ready to Swing Big
John Chayka took over as the Leafs' 41st GM in May 2026, replacing Brad Treliving after a tough season at the bottom of the division. He quickly got to work, making a cap-clearing trade with Tampa Bay on June 19 and collecting 10 draft picks in the 2026 draft class, per The Hockey News.
New head coach Jim Hiller has made clear what he wants. He is looking for a "true No. 1 defenseman" to anchor his system, Sportsnet reported. A player like Werenski — mobile, offensive, and elite — fits that profile exactly. Chayka's analytical background puts a premium on exactly those qualities.
Matthew Knies Is the Price — and the Problem
Columbus is not giving Werenski away cheaply. Daily Faceoff reports the asking price starts with Matthew Knies, a 23-year-old winger who scored 66 points last season on a contract worth $7.75 million per year through 2031. Insiders say the Blue Jackets would also want a top prospect like Easton Cowan and a goaltender.
Chayka says he is not "actively shopping" Knies but admitted he is "listening to offers" and called the asking price "extremely high," per Daily Faceoff. Trading an elite 23-year-old on a long value deal is a real cost. If Knies goes, the Leafs would lean on 2026 first-overall pick Gavin McKenna to fill the gap much sooner than expected.
Columbus Listening, But No Deal Is Done Yet
Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell confirmed his team is "listening" to calls on Werenski, but said nothing is imminent, according to TSN. He acknowledged that Werenski may not sign an extension past 2028, which puts pressure on Columbus to move him now while his value is at a peak. US-based insider Frank Seravalli noted that Werenski's NMC converts to a modified no-trade clause in 2027-28, shrinking Columbus's window fast.
For Toronto, the stakes could not be higher. A Werenski deal would eat roughly $9.58 million of their $22 million in cap room, per theScore, forcing the Leafs to fill remaining spots with cheaper contracts. Chayka built this moment by clearing cap and stacking picks. Now the question is whether he pulls the trigger — or plays it safe heading into July 1.
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