League: NHL Sport: Hockey Country: United States Category: Trades

Zach Werenski vetoes trade to Stars, remains with Blue Jackets

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 1, 2026, 4:54 AM

Last updated Jul 1, 2026

Zach Werenski vetoes trade to Stars, remains with Blue Jackets

Summary

Zach Werenski, a defenseman for the Columbus Blue Jackets, has exercised his veto power and declined a trade to the Dallas Stars. The decision was confirmed by an NHL source to ESPN. Werenski's rejection of the deal keeps him in Columbus, where he has been a key player since joining the team. The Blue Jackets will now explore other options to bolster their roster ahead of the upcoming season.

Source Links

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Market Watch

•Zach Werenski plays for the Columbus Blue Jackets.
•He vetoed a trade to the Dallas Stars.
•His decision keeps him in Columbus.
•An NHL source confirmed the news to ESPN.

Latest Updates

8:11 PMYahoo Sports — Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell reiterates there is no animosity with star defenseman Zach Werenski
5:45 AMESPN — Source: Blue Jackets' Werenski vetoes Stars deal

What they're saying

"
Zach Werenski decided in less than an hour to reject a trade from the Columbus Blue Jackets to the Dallas Stars. General manager Don Waddell and Werenski met Wednesday to clear the air and then both issued statements proclaiming all was well, with both sides focusing on the upcoming season. Waddell said Thursday after the conclusion of Columbus' rookie development camp that Werenski's veto of a trade to Dallas was more about staying with the Blue Jackets than going to the Stars.
— Yahoo Sportsby JOE REEDY