Blue Jackets’ Werenski Reportedly Vetoes Trade to Dallas Stars

The Columbus Blue Jackets have been involved in trade rumors over the past several weeks, and it is for a surprising reason. Zach Werenski, who won the Norris Trophy last season, has had his name tossed around in trade speculation over the course of the offseason. While reports claim he hasn’t requested a trade, it seems as though both sides are open to moving on.

In a bombshell report from Elliotte Friedman on Tuesday (Jun. 30) evening, the night before free agency opened up, it was revealed that Werenski vetoed a trade to the Dallas Stars.

Friedman wrote, “According to multiple sources, the Dallas Stars and Columbus Blue Jackets had a verbal agreement on a Zach Werenski trade, which was to be completed on Wednesday morning, only to have it vetoed by the Norris Trophy winner.”

The trade return involved Thomas Harley going back to the Blue Jackets. Friedman wrote, “Thomas Harley was to be the centrepiece of the return, but other players/picks may have been involved, too.” He continued, “Werenski’s decision appears to indicate two things: that his preference — for now — is the Eastern Conference, and that the relationship between player and the Blue Jackets is falling apart in what could be its final days.”

Friedman added that the Stars weren’t aware the trade was going to be vetoted, writing, “The Stars appear to be caught in the middle, unaware that their trade — which, sources say, was agreed to late Monday — would be vetoed. They were informed Tuesday night.”

It was made very clear that things had taken a nasty turn between Werenski and the Blue Jackets, spelling what could be the end of his time with the team.

Which Teams Make the Most Sense for Werenski?

At this point, it seems inevitable that the Blue Jackets will be trading Werenski. There are plenty of teams that will have interest in him, but Werenski does have some control over where he can be moved.

In another article from Friedman, he looked at who could look into Werenski, writing, “I don’t think Toronto will fool around. The Maple Leafs will step up and take their swing.” He continued, “I’d be very curious to see what Tampa offers. If Florida wants to trade a legitimate player from its roster, the Panthers could be a player, too.”

The Lightning are viewed as Werenski’s destination of choice, but they may not have the trade assets to convince the Blue Jackets to pull the trigger on a move. The Maple Leafs do have some assets that could entice the Blue Jackets, incuding Matthew Knies, but it remains to be seen if Werenski would waive his trade protection to join them.

An interesting tidbit from Friedman mentioned that Werenski’s camp has grown upset with what’s been going on, writing, “One rumour making the rounds Tuesday night is that Werenski’s camp is so upset at recent developments that all trade possibilities will be rejected.” He continued, “But that might be short-term hot-headedness, as opposed to realistic long-term outcome. We’ll see.”

That makes me think the Stars could circle back again on Werenski and try to get a deal done, if nothing else comes to fruition over the next week or so. They are likely the team that has the best trade package to put together, which could include Harley and draft picks, so we will see if they try and take a second attempt at bringing in Werenski.

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