Reach for the stars, unless you’re Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski.
The reigning Norris Trophy winner vetoed a trade to the Stars on Wednesday, after a verbal agreement was made between Columbus and Dallas, according to Sportsnet.
Werenski has a full no-move clause in his contract which allows him to say no to any trade.
The transaction, which could not happen until July 1 due to contractual and/or cap reasons, reportedly included Thomas Harley as the centerpeice of the return for the Blue Jackets.
Sportsnet believes the decision to decline the trade shows Werenski’s preferrence to stay in the Eastern Conference and that the relationship between the Blue Jackets and the defenseman has windled down.
TSN reported Tuesday that the 28-year-old prefers the Lightning, but Columbus needs a solid return to pull the trigger.
The Canadian media group also said the Hurricanes and Flyers have shown interest.
Werenski has been in trade rumors for some time, but it was first reported by TSN that the Blue Jackets were fielding calls for the defenseman last week.
He has two seasons left on his six-year, $57.5 million contract that he signed in 2021.
Per Spotrac, Werenski will hold a $9.6 million cap hit for the next two seasons.
Werenski is comming off his best season yet, winning the Norris Trophy and recording 22 goals and 59 assists in 75 games.
He has 135 goals and 330 assists in 642 career games, all with the Blue Jackets, though he has never made it past the second round in the playoffs.
Werenski was drafted by Columbus eighth overall in the 2015 NHL Draft, but spent one more season with Michigan in the Big Ten before moving to the NHL.
