Werenski Blocks Trade to Dallas Stars, Will Start Season with Blue Jackets

Columbus Blue Jackets star defenseman Zach Werenski vetoed a trade to the Dallas Stars this week, an NHL source confirmed to ESPN. Werenski, 28, exercised his full no-movement clause after the teams agreed in principle on a deal that would have sent 24-year-old defenseman Thomas Harley to Columbus.

Werenski had already told the Blue Jackets he would not sign another contract after his current deal expires following the 2027-28 season.

Sportsnet reported he prefers to stay in the Eastern Conference, with the Tampa Bay Lightning and Toronto Maple Leafs among teams he would consider. In statements issued Wednesday, Werenski and general manager Don Waddell confirmed the player will begin the season with Columbus. "I want to win and I want to do that in Columbus," Werenski said.

Waddell said he met with Werenski early in the offseason to discuss an extension and possible trades. " Werenski enters his 11th NHL season after the Blue Jackets selected him eighth overall in 2015.

He won the Norris Trophy last season after finishing second in 2024-25, recorded 81 points, tied the franchise record for assists, and averaged more than 26 minutes of ice time in each of the past two seasons. The Blue Jackets also faced contract uncertainty with forward Kirill Marchenko, 25, who led the team with 27 goals last season and has one year remaining before restricted free agency.

ESPN’s Kevin Weekes reported Marchenko decided not to sign another deal with Columbus.

For Dallas, the blocked Werenski trade marked the second time this offseason a major deal fell through. Multiple reports said restricted free agent winger Jason Robertson rejected a proposed trade to the Seattle Kraken because he would not sign an extension there.