Then came the Werenski saga.\u00a0<\/p>\n
On June 10, a report in The Athletic suggested that Werenski could request a trade, leading to weeks of speculation about his future, this after he finished the season with 81 points (22 goals, 59 assists) in 75 games, while averaging 26:37 ice time per game, good for second in the League.<\/p>\n
The night before free agency opened, there was a report that the Blue Jackets had worked out a trade with the Dallas Stars, but the defenseman vetoed the move. The next day, Werenski, 29, and his agent, Judd Moldaver, met with Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell; the team and player each released statements reaffirming their commitment to one another.<\/p>\n
Gudbranson, who signed a one-year, $1.75 million contract on July 2 as an unrestricted free agent to remain with Columbus, does not foresee any awkwardness when the team reassembles for training camp in September.<\/p>\n
\u201cZach is such a tremendous player, he\u2019s such a great human and he\u2019s a very dear friend of mine and will continue to be so and we are happy he is coming back for sure because he is a pretty good player,\u201d Gudbranson said. \u201cThat noise aside, that\u2019s more exterior to be honest with you. We are a pretty calm, cool, collected group and we are really focused on getting into the playoffs. We have to have a good start, not get behind the 8-ball early at the start of the season and have to claw our way back, that\u2019s a massive focus.\u201d<\/p>\n
Despite the two headline-grabbing occurrences since the season ended, Gudbranson insisted everyone within the organization is in alignment and focused on ending the six-season playoff drought.<\/p>\n
\u201cTalking about it doesn\u2019t do anything at the end of the day. Going out and accomplishing a goal that you set for yourself at the start of the year, it\u2019s hard to do,\u201d he said. \u201cAn NHL season is very difficult, it\u2019s hard to get in the playoffs. Collectively as a group, coaching staff, everyone, we are all the same page going forward and we are very excited about the opportunity we have going into next season and the group that we have.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Blue Jackets have three remaining unsigned restricted free agents including goalie Jet Greaves<\/a>, 25, and forward Cole Sillinger<\/a>, 23, who are each arbitration-eligible, and forward Adam Fantilli<\/a>, 21, who is not.<\/p>\n