sports
Werenski stays with Blue Jackets after vetoing trade to Dallas Stars
Columbus defenseman Zach Werenski, winner of the 2025-26 Norris Trophy, released a statement July 1 committing to remain with the team. He vetoed a proposed trade to the Dallas Stars this week using his no-movement clause.
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Zach Werenski, the Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman who won the Norris Trophy as the NHL's top defenseman for the 2025-26 season, reaffirmed his commitment to the team in a statement released July 1. ESPN reported that Werenski, 28 and entering his 11th NHL season, ended speculation about his future after vetoing a trade to the Dallas Stars earlier in the week.
In the statement, Werenski said he discussed his situation with his wife and family before deciding to stay.
"I want to win and I want to do that in Columbus," he said. " He added that he and general manager Don Waddell are aligned on the goal of returning the team to the playoffs. Waddell released a separate statement confirming the commitment.
He said Werenski had indicated after the season that he was uncertain about staying beyond the 2027-28 season. Waddell explored trades and presented a deal with the Dallas Stars that would have sent 24-year-old defenseman Thomas Harley to Columbus, but Werenski exercised his no-movement clause to block it. Werenski was selected by the Blue Jackets with the No.
8 overall pick in the 2015 NHL Draft. He averaged more than 26 minutes of ice time per game in the past two seasons and led the team in scoring with over 80 points each year. He finished second in Norris Trophy voting in 2024-25 and helped Team USA win Olympic gold in Italy in 2026.
The Blue Jackets have missed the NHL playoffs for six straight seasons and have recorded only one playoff series victory since entering the league nearly 26 years ago.
