Speculation: Armchair GM - 2026 CBJ Offseason Roster Moves, Rumors, and Discussion

[Indy18]

What am I missing with this USA stuff? Just because Brady wanted to play with his brother?

Seems like we're really overblowing this here...

Tkachuk had the same 4 team list as Larkin, told their front office he’s not re-signing and their Portzline equivalent said there was no defense from others in locker room as he became distant with the team once he got back from the Olympics

 

[CBJWerenski8]

Oh brother, we’re so desperate for moves we’re now open to setting the franchise back for 2-3 years minimum by trading Z?

 

[JohnnyJacket13]

I can't believe some of you are turning on Zach....asinine

 

[Banana duck]

I agree but also ask again if there is no improvement and the playoffs are missed again.

I'm a fan and that thought makes me upset. Imagine if it was my career and livelihood.

This would be different than the Brady Tkachuk situation where he was in the playoffs and then literally played like sh*t and whined his way out behind closed doors. Ottawa didn't fail Brady, Brady failed them.

If we get in a position where Z asks to be traded, it's because this organization failed him and everyone else. I don't believe for a second he wants that today but a year from now could be a different story.

I don’t see any reason to think there won’t be though after four consecutive years of improvement.

 

[Indy18]

Oh brother, we’re so desperate for moves we’re now open to setting the franchise back for 2-3 years minimum by trading Z?

Oh no I kinda started it by saying that we should be making progress for moves but if Z does the push out like all the clickbaiters says he’s going to do we still have a viable strong 1D in mateychuck

 

[Banana duck]

Tkachuk had the same 4 team list as Larkin, told their front office he’s not re-signing and their Portzline equivalent said there was no defense from others in locker room as he became distant with the team once he got back from the Olympics

Notable too that both Quinn and Brady were traded after they said they weren’t open to extending.

I assume if this were the case with Zach at this point we would hear more than “now I’ve heard nothing that suggests he’s considering he’s leaving Columbus” from insiders.

 

[CBJWerenski8]

Oh no I kinda started it by saying that we should be making progress for moves but if Z does the push out like all the clickbaiters says he’s going to do we still have a viable strong 1D in mateychuck

That’s fair. I just would prefer we not worry about that until we have to.

 

[CBJWerenski8]

 

[Aaaarrgghh]

Oh brother, we’re so desperate for moves we’re now open to setting the franchise back for 2-3 years minimum by trading Z?

It doesn't only set the team back: it changes its entire trajectory. A Columbus team without Werenski is unlikely to have a higher ceiling than one with him.

Regarding the whole Tkachuk saga, I really hope Ottawa lands Robertson now. That team was better than they got credit for this season and they don't deserve this.

 

[SC Cannon]

Tkachuk had the same 4 team list as Larkin, told their front office he’s not re-signing and their Portzline equivalent said there was no defense from others in locker room as he became distant with the team once he got back from the Olympics

I mean they know there's a salary cap though...

Actually Brady probably doesn't. He probably thinks it's a hat made out of vegetables.

 

[Banana duck]

It doesn't only set the team back: it changes its entire trajectory. A Columbus team without Werenski is unlikely to have a higher ceiling than one with him.

Regarding the whole Tkachuk saga, I really hope Ottawa lands Robertson now. That team was better than they got credit for this season and they don't deserve this.

Maybe. It would depend on the pieces we get back.

 

[Aaaarrgghh]

Maybe. It would depend on the pieces we get back.

Of course. I'm talking probabilities.

 

[Double-Shift Lasse]

Yeah, the Tkachuk brothers are just assholes. Who could’ve thought.

 

[Double-Shift Lasse]

Notable too that both Quinn and Brady were traded after they said they weren’t open to extending.

You guys, Brady Quinn is from, and lives in, Columbus. This has to be good news, right?

 

[Crede777]

I think there's concern that Werenski won't re-sign in 2 years if the Jackets continue to miss the playoffs. I don't think he has committed to leaving in 2 years no matter what. I also don't think he has made any sort of trade request.

The Brady trade may have the Jackets consider just trading him now, but also that's being speculated about rather than confirmed.