Zach Werenski didn't fully agree with Rick Bowness' takedown of the Columbus Blue Jackets' collective pride following Tuesday's season finale, but the defenseman believes the club has a lot to learn after squandering a playoff spot with a miserable stretch run.
"I think guys do hate to lose," Werenski said Wednesday, per team reporter Jeff Svoboda. "I think we need to learn how to win, and I definitely think he can help us with that."
Werenski added, "With how the season ended, everyone has to take a good, hard look in the mirror and see where we can be better."
The Blue Jackets lost 2-1 to the Washington Capitals on Tuesday, concluding their season with a 2-8-1 run after holding second place in the Metropolitan Division less than a month ago. The loss prompted a scathing postmortem from their head coach.
"These guys, they don't care," Bowness said. "Losing is not important enough to them. It doesn't bother them. How can you go out and play like that? I should have done this about a month ago. But this is why we are where we are. This is why we're out of the playoffs. That kind of effort. You have to hate losing. I don't care if it's a meaningless game. I don't care. Show up and compete."
Bowness came out of retirement to take over the Blue Jackets midseason and guided the club to a 21-11-5 record after a 19-19-7 start under Dean Evason.
Bowness' contract only covered the duration of the 2025-26 season, but he vowed Tuesday to change the Blue Jackets' culture if he signs a new deal.
Columbus has now missed the playoffs six years in a row. Werenski led the Blue Jackets with 81 points in 75 games this season and is expected to be in the race for the Norris Trophy.
