Zach Werenski addresses the trade rumors dogging him this summer, some under-the-radar acquisitions who could surprise this season, the latest on Jets defenseman Josh Morrissey, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH/THE ATHLETIC: Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski returned to Columbus from his summer break and addressed the trade rumors that popped up about him two months ago.

Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski (NHL Images)

The rumors began in mid-June amid a report stating that he might request a trade out of Columbus. On June 30, it was reported that he rejected a trade that would’ve sent him to the Dallas Stars.

Werenski and Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell released statements on July 1, emphasizing that he was staying in Columbus and wanted to help the Blue Jackets win. The 29-year-old superstar defenseman’s comments on Thursday were little different from those in his statement last month.

Werenski again stressed how much he loved the city of Columbus, adding that he has no issue staying with the Blue Jackets for a longer period. His current contract expires on July 1, 2028. He said that he wanted to see the Blue Jackets in the playoffs and to make progress.

Regarding his future, Werenski said he wouldn’t answer any questions about it after Thursday, adding that it was important for him to get them out of the way now. He reiterated that he’s committed to the club and his teammates, and excited to return to action with them.

As for those trade rumors, Werenski believed there was miscommunication, claiming that he never requested a trade and never definitively said that he wouldn’t sign an extension, only that he can’t say today what might happen when his current deal expires in two years.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: I’m not doubting Werenski’s sincerity, but it seems this situation was badly handled by both sides, which created the impression that his days in Columbus are numbered.

Werenski’s comments should silence the trade rumors for the coming season, especially if the Blue Jackets make the playoffs by April. However, the longer he goes without an extension next summer, the more often his name will appear in the rumor mill.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Speaking of Werenski and the Blue Jackets, Ryan Lambert looked at four things they must do to return to the postseason for the first time since 2020.

Convincing Werenski and others (such as winger Kirill Marchenko) to stay are among those things, along with the 2026 Norris Trophy winner having another big season.

THE ATHLETIC: Winnipeg Jets defenseman Josh Morrissey is enjoying life as a new father after his son Hayes was born two months ago. It’s also given him a new perspective on life, and a new appreciation for his mother and his late father.

Morrissey acknowledged the coming season will be pivotal for the Jets, who missed the playoffs last season after winning their first Presidents’ Trophy in franchise history in 2024-25.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: As the Jets’ top defenseman, Morrissey will play a crucial role in the club’s performance this season.

SPORTSNET: Forward Mavrik Bourque of the Nashville Predators, winger Jordan Kyrou of the Washington Capitals, and defenseman Mario Ferraro of the Winnipeg Jets are among David Morassutti’s list of 12 under-the-radar NHL offseason acquisitions who could surprise this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Follow the link for the full list and feel free to weigh in with your thoughts.

I don’t think Kyrou qualifies as an “under-the-radar” acquisition. His trade from the Blues to the Capitals garnered plenty of attention as the latter bolstered their offense to return to the playoffs next season.

THE MONTREAL GAZETTE: Former McGill University men’s hockey coach David Urquhart is joining the Canadiens’ AHL affiliate in Laval as an assistant coach.

CALGARY SUN: Former Flames radio play-by-play broadcaster Peter Maher passed away on Thursday at age 79.

Maher called the Flames’ games from 1980-81 to 2013-14, including the club’s Stanley Cup championship in 1989 and their run to the Cup Final in 2004. A native of Campbellton, New Brunswick, he was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2016.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: My condolences to Maher’s family, friends, and the Flames organization.