Zach Werenski Reportedly Rejects Potential Trade to San Jose Sharks

Werenski’s Priority: Championship Contenders Over Short-Term Fits

Werenski’s no-move clause until July 1, 2027, gives him veto power over any trade this season, but the 28-year-old has already made it clear he’s not interested in San Jose—at least not yet. Friedman, who spoke on the 32 Thoughts podcast, framed Werenski’s priorities bluntly: "Wherever Werenski’s going to go now is most likely somewhere he thinks he can win." The Sharks, despite their rising star Macklin Celebrini and playoff aspirations, have missed the postseason for seven straight seasons—a record that doesn’t align with Werenski’s championship ambitions.

The New York Times and CBS Sports both highlight the Sharks’ potential as a long-term fit, but the timing is off. With Werenski’s contract expiring in 2028, the team would need to commit to a multi-year deal now—something Columbus isn’t willing to do. "Maybe he might not be looking at you now," Friedman added, "but how’s he going to feel in two years?" By then, the Sharks could be Cup contenders, but Werenski’s agent isn’t waiting that long to explore options.

Dallas Stars as the Leading Suitor for Immediate Impact

If Werenski is looking for a team that can win now, the Dallas Stars are the frontrunner. Friedman and Sportsnet.ca both emphasize Dallas’s combination of cap flexibility, championship pedigree, and a roster built around young talent. The Stars have the cap space to absorb Werenski’s $9.5 million average annual value for the next two seasons, and GM Jim Nill has a history of making bold moves for top-tier talent.

The New York Times notes that Columbus GM Don Waddell has ruled out "futures" (draft picks or prospects) as a trade centerpiece, but Dallas could offer a mix of established NHL players and high-end prospects to sweeten the deal. The Stars’ blue line, anchored by Miro Heiskanen and Esa Lindell, would benefit from Werenski’s offensive upside—especially with the salary cap rising sharply in the coming years.

One wild-card scenario Friedman floated: Werenski and Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin—Werenski’s Michigan State teammate and close friend—could end up on the same team. The Stars would be the most logical destination for such a pairing, given their depth and cap flexibility. "Part of me has wondered if there’s a team that could pull off both guys," Friedman said, though the logistics would require Detroit to retain Larkin and Columbus to accept a package heavy on NHL-ready talent.

Toronto’s Aggressive Pursuit Faces Fit and Market Challenges

The Toronto Maple Leafs are another team aggressively pursuing Werenski, but the fit is far from seamless. Friedman called Toronto’s interest "100 per cent"—but the question is whether Werenski sees the Leafs as a true contender. Toronto’s blueline, while improving, lacks a true No. 1 defenseman, and Werenski’s arrival would instantly elevate their playoff chances.

The New York Times points out that Toronto would need to navigate Werenski’s no-move clause carefully, but the Leafs have the cap space ($44.6 million in flexibility, per CBS Sports) and the willingness to overpay for a difference-maker. The catch? Werenski’s $9.5 million AAV is already a bargain compared to the league’s top defensemen, but Toronto’s front office would need to justify the investment in a market where fan expectations are sky-high.

Columbus’s Trade Strategy: NHL-Ready Assets Over Futures

Columbus’s Dilemma: Trade Now or Hold for a Bigger Payday?

Waddell’s stance is clear: he won’t trade Werenski for "futures." The New York Times reports that Columbus is seeking NHL-ready players in return—a playbook reminiscent of the 2011 Rick Nash trade, when GM Scott Howson secured centers Brandon Dubinsky and Artem Anisimov from the New York Rangers. Waddell’s goal is to land a top defenseman, like Dallas’s Thomas Harley, who could slot in as Werenski’s successor.

But the clock is ticking. Werenski’s agent has already signaled that Kirill Marchenko, another key Blue Jackets forward, may not re-sign long-term. With Werenski’s contract expiring in 2028, Columbus faces a choice: trade now for a package that keeps them competitive, or hold out for a bigger return—risking Werenski’s departure entirely.

The New York Times notes that Columbus has been fielding calls from rival GMs for weeks, but Waddell remains cautious. "He’s not interested in trading Werenski for ‘futures,’" a league source told the Times. "He wants NHL players." That could narrow the field to teams like Philadelphia (who’d need to move young forwards like Porter Martone), Detroit (who’d likely offer Simon Edvinsson), or Tampa Bay (who’d pair him with Moritz Seider).

Werenski’s no-move clause expires on July 1, 2027, but his agent has already hinted at a trade this offseason. The New York Times reports that Columbus is in no rush—Waddell believes he can extract maximum value—but the longer he waits, the more teams will circle.

• July 1, 2026: Werenski’s no-move clause kicks in, but trade talks can begin.
• June 2027: The next major deadline, when Werenski’s no-trade clause (10 teams) expires.
• Summer 2028: Werenski becomes an unrestricted free agent, giving him full control over his future.

The biggest wild card? Dylan Larkin’s decision. If Larkin stays in Detroit, the Red Wings could become a serious bidder for Werenski—especially if they’re willing to trade Simon Edvinsson or another young defenseman. Meanwhile, the Sharks remain in the mix, but only if they can convince Werenski they’re serious about a championship run.

Werenski’s future will hinge on three factors: where he believes he can win, what Columbus demands in return, and how quickly the market moves. With the salary cap rising and teams like Dallas, Toronto, and Detroit in the hunt, the next few weeks will determine whether Werenski’s trade becomes a done deal—or if Columbus holds on for one last run at a long-term extension.

Sources: Sportsnet.ca, The New York Times, CBS Sports, <a href="https://sanjosehockeynow.