Werenski ends speculation, reaffirms commitment to Columbus - ESPN

The NHL's Zach Werenski trade drama is officially on hiatus.

The Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman and his general manager Don Waddell both released statements Wednesday reaffirming Werenski's commitment to the organization.

This comes after Werenski informed Waddell that he was not likely to sign another contract with the Blue Jackets when his current deal is up after the 2027-28 season, as well as Waddell's attempts to trade Werenski this offseason — including a deal Columbus had in place with the Dallas Stars this week that Werenski used his no-movement clause to veto.

Werenski lamented the fact that the situation had become fodder for fans and media.

«Don and I have had very open and honest dialogue since the season ended. Ideally, this wouldn't have become such a public thing but that is the world we live in now and everything got blown out of proportion in my opinion,» he said.

«I want to win and I want to do that in Columbus. As I've thought about things and discussed everything with my wife and family, we want to be in Columbus. It has been my home for the past 10 years and I have always been proud to be a Blue Jacket. We have the best fans in the NHL. I love my teammates and coaches and I'm looking forward to doing everything I can to get us back in the playoffs to compete for a Stanley Cup. Don and I are completely aligned on that and are excited about what's to come with our team.»

Werenski, 28, is entering his 11th NHL season. The Blue Jackets selected him No. 8 in 2015. He's blossomed into one of hockey's premier two-way defenders, averaging over 26 minutes in average ice time in the past two seasons while leading Columbus in scoring with over 80 points in each of those seasons. He won the Norris Trophy this