Story Summary
Dave Pagnotta told Morning Skate hosts that Auston Matthews and Zach Werenski have indicated a desire to remain with their current clubs, provided their teams can compete. Pagnotta said Werenski wants to compete and stay in Columbus if the Blue Jackets can put themselves in a competitive position; there are organisational question marks in Columbus, including upcoming contract decisions. On Toronto, Pagnotta said Matthews has been clear that he wants to win and remain with the Maple Leafs if they are competitive, but he needs to stay healthy and rebound after a down season. NHLRumors also noted that Werenski reiterated during the NHL Player Media Tour that he wants to play in Columbus. Both players face important seasons for their futures and for how their teams respond.
Key Facts
- Pagnotta said Zach Werenski wants to compete and stay in Columbus if the organisation positions the Blue Jackets to be competitive.
- Pagnotta said Auston Matthews has been ‘adamant’ he wants to win in Toronto and would stay if the Maple Leafs are competitive.
- NHLRumors notes Werenski doubled down at the NHL Player Media Tour on wanting to play in Columbus.
- Pagnotta characterised both seasons as important: Toronto must see on-ice progress and health from Matthews; Columbus has broader roster and contract questions to resolve.
IHM Discussion
Pagnotta’s message was straightforward: both players have signalled a preference to remain if their teams can realistically compete. That qualification – ‘if the team’s going to be competitive’ – is the key. For Werenski, it places the focus on the Blue Jackets showing a credible path forward. Pagnotta highlighted near-term decisions in Columbus, including contract questions involving other players and the need to settle Adam Fantilli’s situation.
For Matthews, the focus is on performance. Pagnotta said Matthews wants to be part of a competitive Leafs team, while NHLRumors noted that he put pressure on the club to make major off-season changes. Reportedly, Matthews has two years remaining on his deal and is not eligible for an extension until July. Health and form remain central after what Pagnotta described as ‘a bit of a down season’.
These are conditional stances rather than fixed ultimatums. The Blue Jackets’ roster decisions and results will remain central to Werenski’s outlook, while Matthews’ health, form and Toronto’s competitiveness will shape the conversation around his future. Any renewed trade speculation remains just that unless either situation changes publicly.
Why It Matters
The players’ stated preferences matter because both teams are trying to establish competitive direction. A healthy, productive Matthews and a stronger Leafs season would reinforce Toronto’s position, while continued commitment from Werenski and progress on Columbus’s roster questions would give the Blue Jackets greater clarity. If either club struggles, the conditional language around competitiveness is likely to fuel further speculation.
IHM Market Outlook
There is no immediate transaction to assess. Matthews’ outlook remains tied to his health and Toronto’s competitiveness, while Werenski’s remains linked to Columbus’s ability to compete and address its roster questions. If either club struggles early, trade speculation could grow, but both players have expressed a preference to stay in their current situations.
Mini Q&A
Did Auston Matthews say he wants to leave Toronto?
No. Pagnotta reported Matthews has been adamant he wants to win in Toronto and would stay if the team is competitive.
Has Zach Werenski asked to be traded?
Werenski has said he wants to compete and remain in Columbus if the Blue Jackets put themselves in position to compete. NHLRumors also noted that he reiterated at the NHL Player Media Tour that he wants to play in Columbus. The report raises the possibility of renewed trade talk if Columbus starts poorly or misses the playoffs.
What would change either player’s stance?
According to Pagnotta’s account, the key triggers are on-ice competitiveness and, for Matthews, health and a rebound season. For Columbus and Werenski, organisational actions on contracts and roster building – and early-season results – are central.
When are the next checkpoints that matter?
pre-season games begin Sept. 19, 2026, and the regular season opens Sept. 29, 2026; Pagnotta framed early-season performance as influential to both situations.
Coach Mark Comment
Early results matter when a team is trying to retain the confidence of its leading players. For Toronto and Columbus, a clear identity, dependable execution and visible progress will carry more weight than off-season assurances.
What Comes Next
Sept. 19, 2026 – pre-season games begin. Sept. 29, 2026 – Regular season opening night. These early-season checkpoints are relevant because Pagnotta framed both player situations as contingent on how the teams perform; results and form in the pre-season and opening weeks will shape whether the conditional language hardens into longer-term commitment or renewed trade talk.
IHM Final View
Pagnotta’s reporting presents conditional intentions from two high-profile players rather than imminent departures. Both Auston Matthews and Zach Werenski have said they want to remain with their clubs – but each tied that preference to demonstrable competitiveness. That conditional wording makes the coming weeks and months decisive: a healthy Matthews and a competitive Leafs season reduce the chance of a fracture, while a shaky start in Columbus would magnify Werenski-related questions. For now the story is one of cautious détente, not resolution.