The 2025-26 Norris Trophy winner is likely going to be on the move after talks with Columbus have fallen apart. Zach Werenski, who is one of the top defenders in the NHL, is likely to be moved during today's free-agency window.
For the St. Louis Blues, it would be a blessing to have him, but he has already laid out where he would prefer to go. There was a deal set in stone between Columbus and Central Division rival Dallas, giving another team in this division a superstar on the blueline.
Fortunately, Werenski declined to waive his no-trade clause, keeping him from going to Dallas, and a big sign of relief for the Blues. Imagine having to go up against the likes of Cale Makar in Colorado, Quinn Hughes in Minnesota, and then Werenski in Dallas.
I believe Dallas was team that stepped up and presented a trade option CBJ was willing to work with. Sounds like Werenski’s preference is to stay east. https://t.co/dm7FQmtSTB
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) July 1, 2026
The Blues have to grow their superstar
Looking at the landscape of the NHL, nearly every team has a superstar top defenseman. Adam Fox with the New York Rangers, Matthew Schaefer with the New York Islanders, as well as Roman Josi in Nashville and Evan Bouchard in Edmonton, to name a small few.
But what about the Blues? Colton Parayko has been "the guy" for years, but that title is starting to wane following last season's rough outing. The hope is that Philip Broberg will now step into that role, with a nice and shiny contract extension worth an AAV of $8 million.
There is also the case of Logan Mailloux, who could be a nice partner for Broberg and give an interesting dynamic to the pairing. Much like Devon Toews and Makar in Colorado, both Broberg and Mailloux could be a young and powerful duo for years to come.
The Blues should be very thankful that Werenski decided to stay in the East and not take the deal with Dallas. This division, which is considered already as the toughest one in all of hockey, would be nearly impossible for this franchise to get ahead of.
With Alexander Steen jumping into the General Manager chair today, the focus is not on buying talent. It is on growing it and developing it from within.
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