The Minnesota Wild, much like the 31 other teams across the NHL, are getting ready for the start of free agency on Wednesday. Even though the Wild have to try and add some depth pieces, especially with Mats Zuccarello and Vladimir Tarasenko hitting the open market, they are exploring the trade block for a huge trade. The one name they have been consistently linked to is Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin. Another team in the running for Larkin are the rival Dallas Stars. But that's not the only star they were interested in.
The Columbus Blue Jackets have been taking calls on star defenseman and reigning Norris Trophy winner Zach Werenski, who has been noncommittal about his future with the team. The Stars were one of the teams heavily pursuing Werenski, which would have been bad news for the Wild, considering how tough it was already going to be to make it to the Western Conference Finals through the Central Division gauntlet. But, the Wild were given a huge "W" on late Tuesday night.
Sportsnet NHL insider Elliotte Friedman reported that Werenski officially vetoed a trade to the Stars after the team had agreed to terms on a deal with the Blue Jackets. The trade would have seen the Stars send defenseman Thomas Harley and multiple draft picks to the Blue Jackets for Werenski.
Zach Werenski reportedly vetoes trade to the Stars
That is incredibly welcome news for the Wild. This is now the second notable trade that the Stars had vetoed. The first was a trade that would have sent forward Jason Robertson to the Seattle Kraken, who were giving him an eight-year, $15 million per season contract. However Robertson, who is a restricted free agent, turned down the trade. Now, they see Werenski say "thanks but no thanks" to a trade to Dallas.
To make things even more interesting, how must Harley feel that he was offered to get sent to Columbus for Werenski? Let's not forget that Harley doesn't have a no-movement clause kick into his contract until after the 2028-29 season, so he could have been traded without approval. Not an ideal situation.
As for where Werenski could end up, reports indicate that he would prefer to play in the Eastern Conference. The two frontrunners so far are the Tampa Bay Lightning and Toronto Maple Leafs, as they are teams that Werenski would waive his no-movement clause for. So, the Wild don't have to worry about Werenski joining a division rival or a top team in the Western Conference.
It's a great start to free agency for the Wild, as they got to watch the Stars crash and burn on landing one of the best defensemen in the NHL.
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