Blue Jackets mailbag, Part 2: How long can Werenski wait for a winner? Are they on the right track?

The NHL off-season grows more intriguing as Dylan Larkin requests a trade from the Detroit Red Wings, and his close friendship with Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski adds intrigue for the summer. The Stanley Cup Final heads to Las Vegas tied 1-1, while the league gathers in Buffalo for the scouting combine. Werenski, a two-year veteran in a Norris Trophy-level career, faces a pivotal period, with a likely extension possible on July 1, 2027. Columbus has endured a rebuild since 2022-23, finishing 31st, then 29th, 20th, and 18th in successive seasons, heightening questions about the team’s trajectory. With Larkin’s situation and Werenski’s patience in question, teams are evaluating options, including potential moves that could reshape captaincy, leadership roles, and long-term commitments as the franchise chases a competitive path.