Zach Werenski (who turned down Dallas) would like to join the Canadiens’ division

Charles-Alexis Brisebois
Zach Werenski (who turned down Dallas) would like to join the Canadiens’ division
Credit: Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images

This story is causing quite a stir.

Zach Werenski, who doesn't want to sign a new contract with Columbus (his current one expires in 2028), is expected to leave Columbus soon to play elsewhere.

His GM is on the case.

The story that's been causing a huge stir in the last few hours is that the player turned down the Dallas Stars as part of a trade that would have sent Thomas Harley to Ohio.

Several sources have reported the news.

People are going to call Werenski a spoiled brat, but he didn't give the Blue Jackets an ultimatum to trade him right now. And with his no-trade clause, he has the right to say no to a trade.

He doesn't want to go to the West. That's his right—he's earned it. It was up to his GM to make sure of that beforehand, instead of taking the “we'll approach you with an offer if we get a good one” approach with the Norris Trophy winner.

So what's next?

According to the rumors, the defenseman would like to stay in the East. He's a Michigan native, and it's reasonable to assume that's a factor in his decision.

Currently, the Tampa Bay Lightning are back in the conversation. Remember that Julien BriseBois needs to replace Darren Raddysh, who left for Toronto.

But the Maple Leafs are also being mentioned in the discussions.

I understand he's friends with Auston Matthews, but I'm having a hard time believing Toronto is on his shortlist of potential teams. That said, I respect that. #CanadianMarket

We'll see what the Blue Jackets do.


In a nutshell

– Claude Giroux will become a free agent.

– Dominique Ducharme is staying in Vegas. [LP]

– Listen to this.

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