Zach Werenski flat out told the Columbus Blue Jackets "no" when they tried to ship him to the Dallas Stars on June 30. That's not a rumor, that's what happened, and it's already the wildest moment in an absolutely wild NHL trade market this summer.
The Werenski Veto That Blew Up Everything
Reports started swirling even before last month's draft: Zach Werenski was unlikely to sign an extension with the Blue Jackets next summer. Those rumors, about the Jackets gauging his value, put the 28-year-old defenseman squarely on the previous trade targets ranking. Then came the bombshell on June 30, with reports saying Columbus was on the verge of trading him to the Stars. But Werenski, armed with his no-movement clause, just flat out vetoed the deal. The very next day, both Werenski and GM Don Waddell issued statements claiming it was all a misunderstanding. They said he wasn't being traded and that he wanted to help the Jackets become a contender. Funny thing, though: those statements had zero talk about a contract extension. He might not be moving right now, but this whole situation could absolutely flare up again at any point this season. You just know it.Big Names Still Sitting on the Block
It's been a hectic summer in the NHL trade market, fueled by the salary cap hitting $104 million and a serious lack of high-quality unrestricted free agents. That's why we've seen a higher-than-usual amount of trade activity, with eight players from the previous NHL Trade Block Big Board already changing teams. Seven of those were top-10 candidates, including centers Vincent Trocheck and Mason McTavish, winger Jordan Kyrou, and defenseman Šimon Nemec. But some huge names are still out there, just waiting. We're talking Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin, Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, and Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly. Dallas Stars winger Jason Robertson is another noteworthy addition to the rankings. Even Jake DeBrusk from the Vancouver Canucks, who was No. 4 on the mid-June board, is still on the list. His long-term contract and full no-movement clause are one thing, but he's made it clear he wants to play for a contender, especially with the Canucks in a rebuild. TSN's Ryan Rishaug reported on July 1 there was no dialogue between the Canucks and DeBrusk's camp about waiving his clause, and The Athletic's Thomas Drance speculated clubs might prefer other options in free agency. Still, if teams miss out on those free agent scoring wingers, don't be surprised if they circle back to DeBrusk later this summer. And hey, Kirill Marchenko's future with the Blue Jackets is also a hot topic after ESPN's Kevin Weekes reported on June 26 that his reps informed the club he wasn't interested in an extension. The business has definitely slowed since the July 1 free agency opening, but with so many talented trade candidates still on the board, more moves are absolutely coming. This summer isn't done yet!This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.