Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski wants to stay with the franchise long-term, addressing swirling offseason trade rumors and confirming he rejected a potential deal to the Dallas Stars in early July. According to reports from NHL.com and The Athletic, Werenski used his no-move clause to block the trade after discussions with his family, emphasizing his commitment to winning in Columbus.
Werenski Addresses Trade Rumors and Commitment
Speaking to reporters at Nationwide Arena, Werenski clarified that his future intentions had been misconstrued earlier this summer. According to The Athletic, rumors began circulating after exit meetings where general manager Don Waddell indicated the defenseman was unsure about signing an extension beyond his current deal. Werenski has two years remaining on the six-year contract he signed on July 29, 2021, making him eligible to sign a new deal on July 1, 2027.
“I think everyone knows how much I love this city and how much it means to me, and I would have no issues being here for an even longer time,” Werenski said, as reported by The Athletic. The 28-year-old blueliner noted that winning solves everything and stressed his focus on helping the Blue Jackets return to the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
The Rejected Dallas Stars Trade
The trade speculation materialized into concrete action in early July when Columbus and the Dallas Stars worked out a deal that would have reportedly sent Werenski to Texas in exchange for defenseman Thomas Harley and other assets, according to NHL.com and The Athletic. Because Werenski holds a no-move clause in his contract, the organization brought the proposal to him.
According to statements made by general manager Don Waddell and reported by NHL.com, management found a deal that worked for the club and presented it to the player. After taking time to discuss the option with his family, Werenski declined the move. “Zach informed us that he didn’t want to leave Columbus,” Waddell stated to NHL.com. “He has invested a great deal in this organization and after coming close and falling short the past two seasons, his desire is to win here.”
Coming Off a Norris Trophy Campaign
Werenski enters the upcoming season following a historic individual campaign on the ice. He captured the Norris Trophy as the top defenseman in the NHL after recording 81 points, including 22 goals and 59 assists, across 75 games while logging an average of 26:37 of ice time, according to NHL.com.
Despite personal accolades and the birth of his first child, Hudson Charles, in May, the team has missed the postseason in recent years. Addressing the media ahead of training camp in September, Werenski underscored that his attention is fixed entirely on team success.
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