Toronto Maple Leafs are a frontrunner to land Zach Werenski

The Toronto Maple Leafs appear to be in the running to acquire one of the NHL's best defencemen.

According to Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic, the Columbus Blue Jackets are listening to trade offers for reigning Norris Trophy winner Zach Werenski, and Toronto is one of the teams that might be on his shortlist of destinations.

LeBrun joined TSN's Sportcentre on Tuesday night and reported that Werenski had declined a potential move to Dallas, wanting to stay in the Eastern Conference.

"The Tampa Bay Lightning seem to be the top team on his list, and the Toronto Maple Leafs are the one Canadian team he'd waive his no-movement clause for," LeBrun said to TSN host Jay Onrait.

Will reiterate again that Tampa Bay and Toronto would be among the top teams I think Werenski would accept a trade to.
But can those teams satisfy CBJ trade requirements remains to be seen. https://t.co/14sfex15qb

— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) July 1, 2026

But there's much more competition for the star American than just two teams.

According to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, the Philadelphia Flyers and Florida Panthers are also rumoured to be in the mix.

The price the Maple Leafs would have to pay for the 28-year-old has been speculative, but some insiders report that it might not require Toronto to let go of Matthew Knies.

Werenski has two years remaining on his six-year, $57-million contract and would need to approve any trade because of his full no-movement clause.

Columbus is exploring the market now with concerns that Werenski may not re-sign when his contract expires following the 2027-28 season.

The veteran is coming off yet another outstanding season, recording more than 80 points for the second straight year while capturing the Norris Trophy as the NHL's top defenceman.

Toronto would also offer a familiar environment for Werenski.

He and Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews came through the U.S. National Team Development Program together, and most recently, won a gold medal together at the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.