The NHL free agency period starts this Wednesday, but this offseason is unusual. There is more buzz around players asking for trades than those entering the free market. Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski’s trade request is particularly surprising. This move came just weeks after he won the Norris Trophy as the top defenseman in the NHL. His request caught even his head coach off-guard.

Columbus Blue Jackets head coach Rick Bowness expressed his shock over Werenski’s decision. According to The Athletic, Bowness said, “I’m as shocked as anyone that these came up. At the end of the year meetings, we looked each other in the eye and had great meetings and gave each other a hug leaving, and all that. So everything was good. So when all of this broke, I was shocked and caught off-guard like everyone else.”

Werenski, whose contract extends through 2027-28, is not alone. Forward Kirill Marchenko also informed the team of his desire for a new environment. Both requests came as major surprises.

Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski requested a trade just weeks after winning the Norris Trophy as the NHL’s top defenseman.

The Blue Jackets’ season ended poorly, missing the playoffs. Despite the disappointing conclusion, the earlier part of the season showed promise. Coach Bowness’s passionate post-season message aimed to motivate players, though it appears it did not resonate with everyone. At least two key players, including Werenski, remained discontented.

Having a star player request a trade after achieving a significant accolade poses challenges. Nonetheless, Werenski’s Norris Trophy win boosts his trade value. If Columbus negotiates a successful deal, they can expect substantial returns for a defenseman of his caliber.

Reported by Matthew Reigle for OutKick.