Friedman Floats 4 Zach Werenski Trade Fits as Dallas Emerges as Strongest Match

3 articles · Updated · Sportsnet.ca · Jun 30

Dallas, Toronto, Vegas and Carolina were the main destinations Elliotte Friedman floated for Zach Werenski on Monday’s 32 Thoughts podcast, with the Stars framed as the cleanest fit if Columbus moves its Norris-winning defenseman.
Thomas Harley, 24, was cited as the kind of return that could satisfy Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell, who wants to stay competitive next season rather than accept a futures-heavy package.
Toronto was described as certain to pursue Werenski, potentially with 23-year-old Matthew Knies as a building block, though Friedman questioned whether Werenski sees the Maple Leafs as an immediate Cup team.
Vegas and Carolina were presented as workable but less straightforward options: the Golden Knights may need more cap and trade assets, while the defending champion Hurricanes could offer pieces such as Alexander Nikishin and Bradly Nadeau.
Friedman also briefly entertained a larger scenario in which Werenski and Dylan Larkin land together—possibly in Dallas—building on earlier reporting that Werenski is prioritizing Stanley Cup contention over teams like San Jose.