Blue Jackets' Zach Werenski Blocks Trade to Dallas Stars

The Dallas Stars tried their best to acquire Norris trophy winner Zach Werenski on Tuesday night, but the Columbus Blue Jackets defenceman vetoed the trade.

Multiple sources had the story ahead of free agency, as Werenski holds a full no-movement clause and has full control of his destiny. He has two seasons left on his deal at just over $9 million AAV, and recently mentioned to Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell he's not interested in spending anymore time in Columbus.

According to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, Thomas Harley was the centerpiece of the Stars' trade offer, and now the Blue Jackets have to go back to the drawing board. Word is, only the Toronto Maple Leafs or Tampa Bay Lightning are on the top of Werenski's approval list. 

Here's what Friedman mentioned Wednesday morning on the latest on Werenski's future:

Werenski’s decision appears to indicate two things: that his preference — for now — is the Eastern Conference, and that the relationship between player and the Blue Jackets is falling apart in what could be its final days. Sportsnet reported last week that Columbus planned to meet with Werenski post-draft, but, apparently, the player felt he had addressed his future back in April, saying that he’d play out his current contract (two years remaining), but would not commit to an extension.

The Stars appear to be caught in the middle, unaware that their trade — which, sources say, was agreed to late Monday — would be vetoed. They were informed Tuesday night.

Werenski is expected to be traded this week, and if it's Toronto, look for Matthew Knies to head to Columbus. If it's Tampa Bay, at this point, not many rumors about what the offer will consist of.