New Jersey Devils: 5 Defensemen Worth Trading Fourth-Overall Pick

Zach Werenski

It’s honestly surprising that Zach Werenski’s name hasn’t come up more this offseason. The Columbus Blue Jackets seem destined to sell this offseason. They are rumored to have both their starting caliber goalies on the market. They parted ways with head coach John Tortorella, who gave the franchise its most success since joining the league at the turn of the century. This team is in a weird spot.

The team is already shopping Seth Jones, but he’s not even close to worth the fourth-overall pick. In fact, the Devils should avoid Jones at all costs. Meanwhile, Werenski is a great all-around defenseman who can win battles, score in the offensive zone, and play a ton of minutes every night.

Werenski is turning 24 years old in a few weeks, and he’s about to enter his prime. He showed toughness this season, playing north of 24 minutes a game despite dealing with a hernia that eventually ended his season. Obviously, that brings some question marks, but nothing says this is supposed to have a long-term impact on Werenski’s career.

The Blue Jackets have to see the writing on the wall. Werenski has one more year lead on his three-year, $15 million deal. His actual salary next season is $7 million. That has multiple levels of impact. For one, that makes his qualifying offer $7 million just to keep him a restricted free agent. That also comes with an advantage now that he has arbitration rights. On top of all that, his long-term deal would likely have to start between $7.5 million and $8 million. The Devils would absolutely pay that, but the Blue Jackets might want to take the asset and let someone else pay the price. The Devils would be happy to oblige.