Zach Werenski has reversed course after putting his future with the Columbus Blue Jackets into question.
"(General manager Don Waddell) and I have had very open and honest dialogue since the season ended," Werenski said in a statement Wednesday. "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.
"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."
A report made Friday stated that Werenski was unwilling to sign an extension with the Blue Jackets next offseason and, as a result, the team was listening to trade offers.
Werenski reportedly vetoed a trade to the Dallas Stars on Tuesday that would've sent a package headlined by Thomas Harley to Columbus. His reported preference at the time was to stay in the Eastern Conference, with the Tampa Bay Lightning and Toronto Maple Leafs viewed as agreeable destinations. The Carolina Hurricanes, Philadelphia Flyers, and San Jose Sharks also reportedly showed interest in Werenski.
"Earlier this spring, Zach and I met and talked about his future with the Blue Jackets beyond his current contract and he indicated that he wasn't sure what the future would hold with regards to staying with the club or possibly moving on," Waddell said. "During those discussions, we talked about me exploring opportunities to move him now, and we all agreed if there was a deal to be made that I would bring it to him.
"We found something that would work for the club and took it to him. After some time and discussions with his family, Zach informed us that he didn't want to leave Columbus. He has invested a great deal in this organization, and after coming close and falling short the past two seasons, his desire is to win here and get this team back into the playoffs."
The 28-year-old won the Norris Trophy as the NHL's top defenseman last season, producing 22 goals and 81 points in 75 games. He finished as the Norris Trophy runner-up the year prior.
Werenski is signed for two more seasons with an average annual value of $9.58 million. He's eligible to sign an extension July 1, 2027.
The Blue Jackets have missed the playoffs in six straight seasons.
