Here’s something that happened while most of us were catching z’s. Zach Werenski reportedly shut down a proposed trade to the Dallas Stars overnight. According to NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, the Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman used his no-movement clause to kill the deal before it could get anywhere.
Friedman wrote that Werenski’s decision tells us two things. First, he wants to stay in the Eastern Conference for now. Second, the relationship between him and the Blue Jackets is crumbling as they head toward what could be a breakup.
Werenski has a full no-movement clause. That means Columbus can’t trade him without his say-so, and they can’t dump him on waivers either. So his approval is basically the only thing that matters when another team comes calling. And Dallas? Not on his list.
There was reportedly a group of teams watching Werenski and sniffing around for a potential deal. But this complicates things. If a team can’t even get him to sign off on a trade to the Stars, they have to wonder whether they’re even in the conversation.
What’s Next for the Blue Jackets and Their Star Defenseman
NHL free agency is already underway. Teams are going to keep knocking on Columbus’s door asking about Werenski. The Jackets will check with him to make sure the destination is one he’d actually agree to. Then they’ve got to decide if the return package is worth it for them. And then Werenski gets the final call.
He’s coming off a monster season. 22 goals and 81 points. He was a machine on the power play too, with four goals and 17 assists with the man advantage. He also blocked 94 shots. So it’s not hard to see why teams want him.
But for now, the Stars are out. And the Jackets are stuck working through a short list of teams Werenski would actually let them deal him to. That’s no small restriction.
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