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Zach Werenski vetoes trade to Stars

Originally posted on Ball Exclusives | By Luc Muir | Last updated Jul 1, 2026 12:40 PM ET

According to multiple reports, the Dallas Stars and Columbus Blue Jackets agreed on a trade that would send Zach Werenski to Dallas in exchange for Thomas Harley, but the reigning Norris Trophy winner vetoed the move. The 28-year-old has a full no-move clause, meaning he has the final say on which team he goes to.

The Blue Jackets and Stars had a verbal agreement for a deal that would send Zach Werenski to Dallas.

Werenski, who has a full no-move clause, vetoed it, per @FriedgeHNIC pic.twitter.com/jkh21IB8kb

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) July 1, 2026

The trade was set to go through this morning had Werenski not vetoed it.

Werenski is believed to prefer staying in the Eastern Conference, as the Tampa Bay Lightning have emerged as the frontrunners to acquire him. He never officially requested a trade, but management was unsure about his commitment to the organization.

The news comes as the Stars are sorting out Jason Robertson ‘s upcoming contract. The pending restricted free agent rejected a trade to both the St. Louis Blues and the Seattle Kraken.

This article first appeared on Ball Exclusives and was syndicated with permission.

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