Source: Blue Jackets' Werenski vetoes Stars deal
Key takeaways
- Columbus Blue Jackets star defenseman Zach Werenski has vetoed a trade to the Dallas Stars, an NHL source confirmed to ESPN.
- Werenski, 28, had informed the Blue Jackets that he would not sign another contract with the team when his current deal is up after the 2027-28 season.
- The Stars and Columbus agreed in principle on a trade this week.
Why this matters: a sports story that could shift standings, legacies, or fan conversations.
Columbus Blue Jackets star defenseman Zach Werenski has vetoed a trade to the Dallas Stars, an NHL source confirmed to ESPN.
Werenski, 28, had informed the Blue Jackets that he would not sign another contract with the team when his current deal is up after the 2027-28 season. The Jackets have been fielding calls from teams inquiring about Werenski, who won the Norris Trophy as the NHL's top defenseman last season and helped the USA to Olympic gold in Italy.
The Stars and Columbus agreed in principle on a trade this week. Multiple reports indicated that 24-year-old defenseman Thomas Harley was the centerpiece of that deal. But Werenski has a full no-movement clause and used it to reject the trade to Dallas.