The Zach Werenski trade saga has been one of the biggest surprises of the 2026 NHL offseason. Although the Columbus Blue Jackets and Dallas Stars reportedly came close to completing a blockbuster deal, general manager Don Waddell has now revealed just how quickly the star defenseman shut the idea down.
Blue Jackets GM Opens Up on Werenski Vetoing Trade To Dallas
Trade rumors surrounding Zach Werenski gained momentum after reports claimed the reigning Norris Trophy winner was not ready to commit to a long-term extension with the rebuilding Blue Jackets, leading to speculation that he could leave once his current contract expires.
The rumors intensified when Columbus reportedly reached a verbal agreement with the Dallas Stars on a trade package centered around defenseman Thomas Harley. However, the deal never moved forward after Werenski exercised the full no-movement clause in his contract.
Speaking about the situation, Waddell explained that the trade rumors quickly took on a life of their own.
“I think where it got blown out is, we talked about the future… first of all, we can’t negotiate a contract until next summer with them anyways with two years left, but that got mistaken that we were in a hurry to trade them and he wanted to be traded. And the only thing that was always discussed, if there’s something that made some sense, I would bring it to him,” Waddell said.
Waddell then revealed how quickly Werenski made his intentions clear once Dallas emerged as a serious possibility. “When we were talking to Dallas about the trade, when I called his agent, within an hour I got a call back saying Zach wants to be a Blue Jacket, he doesn’t want to go anyplace,” he added.
Waddell later met with Werenski, who said he wants to stay in Columbus. After spending 10 years with the Blue Jackets, Werenski said he is committed to the team and wants to help the franchise get back to the playoffs.
Werenski also echoed that message publicly in early July, releasing a statement that described the offseason speculation as “blown out of proportion.” He emphasized that his priority is helping the Blue Jackets return to the playoffs and building a winner in Columbus.
For Dallas, missing out on Werenski was a significant setback. Adding the Norris Trophy winner alongside Miro Heiskanen would have created one of the NHL’s strongest defensive pairings.
Instead, the Stars will continue building around Thomas Harley while exploring other options to strengthen their blue line.
As for Columbus, Waddell appears confident the organization can move forward without lingering uncertainty. Although Werenski still has two years remaining on his current contract, the Blue Jackets now believe their franchise defenseman is fully committed to leading the club as it looks to end its six-year playoff drought.
