Zach Werenski Vetoes Dallas Stars Trade, Detroit Red Wings Emerge as Potential Suitor

The Columbus Blue Jackets’ star player Zach Werenski recently vetoed a confirmed trade to the Dallas Stars as he blocked the deal with his no move clause, ahead of the new season. But the winning defenseman has also refused to sign a long term extension with his team. Amid all the mess, the Detroit Red Wings have emerged as a potential landing spot even as the team deals with the drama around Dylan Larkin.

The Columbus Blue Jackets’ star player Zach Werenski recently vetoed a confirmed trade to the Dallas Stars as he blocked the deal with his no move clause. But the winning defenseman has also refused to sign a long term extension with his team. Amid all the mess, the Detroit Red Wings have emerged as a potential landing spot even as the team deals with the drama around Dylan Larkin.

Category

Details

Player

Zach Werenski

Current Team

Columbus Blue Jackets

Rumored Teams

Toronto Maple Leafs, Dallas Stars, Philadelphia Flyers, Carolina Hurricanes, San Jose Sharks, Anaheim Ducks

Contract Status

2 Years Remaining (UFA in 2028, Full NMC applies to the 2026–27 season)

Salary Cap Hit (New Team)

$9,583,333 Average Annual Value (AAV)

Trade Likelihood

High

Latest Insider Update

Detroit Red Wings have emerged as potential landing spot ahead of the new season

Which teams are interested in Zach Weenski?

In the last few weeks, a number of rival teams have been linked to him even as he vetoed his trade to the Dallas Stars. This includes the Tampa Bay Lightning, Detroit Red Wings, and the Carolina Hurricanes.

What are insiders saying about the trade rumors?

A few days ago, Austin Nivison of CBS Sports noted in a recent report, “What if general manager Steve Yzerman was able to convince captain Dylan Larkin to stick around and create perhaps the most dominant defensive pairing in the NHL at the same time? Acquiring Werenski would be the type of boost that puts Detroit's rebuild over the finish line, and the Wings would have two true No. 1 defensemen in Werenski and Moritz Seider. ” Austin Nivison of CBS Sports added, “Meanwhile, Larkin may be more inclined to remain with Detroit if his Team USA teammate and fellow Michigander does so. Would Detroit be interested in giving up Simon Edvinsson, a young defenseman with a lot of upside, in exchange for a finished product? The Red Wings also have the cap space and draft capital to make this deal work. Yzerman needs to be bold this summer. The recipe is there for a huge move. ”

Contract details and salary cap implications

The winning defenseman Zach Werenski still has two years left on his deal with the Columbus Blue Jackets paying him $9.5 million per season. For a team trading for him, they would have to clear their cap space to fit in Zach Werenski’s $9.5 million salary, in case the Columbus Blue Jackets refuse to pay a part of it.

How will the trade affect the teams?

With $13 million in available cap space, the Detroit Red Wings can easily afford Zach Werenski. He will also be an impactful addition to the team which might make them an elite playoff contender. For the Columbus Blue Jackets, trading Zach Werenski would give the team financial flexibility to sign others but the team would also end up losing the best defenseman in the league.