The ongoing saga involving Zach Werenski and the Blue Jackets has taken another unexpected turn.
Statements released by defenseman Werenski and Columbus GM Don Waddell on Wednesday aimed to clarify recent developments. They confirmed that Werenski intends to stay with the Blue Jackets, addressing reports that suggested he blocked a trade agreement on Tuesday.
Recently, trade speculations concerning Werenski intensified, linking the Norris Trophy awardee to teams like the Lightning and Maple Leafs. Sportsnet’s NHL insider, Elliotte Friedman, revealed a verbal agreement existed for a deal between Columbus and Dallas, which would have seen Werenski join the Stars in exchange for a package that included Thomas Harley.
However, it seems Werenski employed his no-move clause to prevent the trade from moving forward.
In his statement, Waddell sought to provide clarity on the discussions between both parties.
“During those discussions, we talked about me exploring opportunities to move him now and we all agreed if there was a deal to be made that I would bring it to him,” the GM said. “We found something that would work for the club and took it to him. After some time and discussions with his family, Zach informed us that he didn’t want to leave Columbus. He has invested a great deal in this organization and after coming close and falling short the past two seasons, his desire is to win here and get this team back into the playoffs.”
Werenski said he believed “everything got blown out of proportion.”
“I want to win and I want to do that in Columbus…It has been my home for the past 10 years and I have always been proud to be a Blue Jacket,” Werenski said. “I love my teammates and coaches and I’m looking forward to doing everything I can to get us back in the playoffs to compete for a Stanley Cup. Don and I are completely aligned on that.”
Werenski finished the 2025-26 season with 81 points on 59 assists and 22 goals. He became the 10th defenseman in NHL history to lead his team in scoring in consecutive seasons and tied Artemi Panarin’s franchise record for assists in a single season.
On top of that, Werenski also assisted on Jack Hughes’s gold medal-winning goal in the 2026 Winter Olympics.
For now, it appears Werenski remains in Columbus, but the Blue Jackets are now without a captain as Boone Jenner has joined the Capitals.