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2h ago

Zach Werenski Vetoes Trade to Dallas Stars

Werenski’s refusal to waive a full no-move clause collapsed a verbal deal and signals growing player control over NHL trades.

Image
A rainbow splits a dark sky.
An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Columbus Blue Jackets' Zach Werenski playing in an NHL hockey game, Image 2 shows Hockey players Casey Cizikas #53 of the New York Islanders and Zach Werenski #8 of the Columbus Blue Jackets in a scuffle with a referee raising his hand in the background

Overview

  • The reported Dallas-Columbus agreement would have sent defense prospect Thomas Harley to Columbus but fell apart when Werenski declined to waive his no-move clause hours before a July 1 completion window.
  • Werenski remains under contract with the Blue Jackets for two more seasons at about a $9.6 million cap hit and has not filed a formal trade request with the team.
  • Sources report Werenski prefers an Eastern Conference destination, with Toronto and Tampa Bay named as likely fits, and the Maple Leafs are described as being “all in” with offers reportedly not including Matthew Knies.
  • Sportsnet also circulated a report that Werenski’s camp is upset and may reject short-term trade talks, a development that could narrow Columbus’s options and slow a match between club needs and available offers.
  • The episode highlights how full no-move clauses let star players block deals, forcing teams to secure players’ consent before finalizing verbal agreements and reshaping negotiations during the tight post-draft, pre-free-agency window.