Columbus Blue Jackets superstar defenseman Zach Werenski has been one of the hottest topics going into free agency, although he isn't a UFA. 

Werenski has been a popular topic of trade rumors and speculation, and he reportedly vetoed a trade on Tuesday night.

Werenski and Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell released a statement on Wednesday with an update.

"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."

Added Werenski: "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."

Werenski said he's 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."

Here is what led up to the GM and player releasing their statements.

On NHL draft day, TSN's Pierre LeBrun reported that Werenski is unlikely to re-sign with the Blue Jackets when his contract expires after the 2027-28 campaign. Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported that Werenski would play out his current contract but would not commit to an extension, which he can't even sign until next summer.

In a way, that forced Columbus GM Don Waddell to look around for teams who are interested in the services of the reigning Norris Trophy winner. 

Werenski's trade value will only get lower as his contract slowly runs out, and Waddell won't want to lose a player of his stature for no assets in return while the team tries to make the playoffs.

Columbus likely wants high-caliber roster players to help the team today rather than just future assets.

On Tuesday night, Friedman reported there was a deal in place between the Blue Jackets and the Dallas Stars for Werenski. 

It was reported that Stars defenseman Thomas Harley would have been a part of that deal.

With Werenski's no-move clause, he can control where he goes and ultimately vetoed a trade to Dallas. The understanding is that he would prefer to remain in the Eastern Conference.

With the Stars no longer a candidate to land Werenski, three Eastern Conference teams seem to be the highest on the list of remaining suitors.

The Philadelphia Flyers have been mentioned, but the two teams that appear to be the favorites to acquire the 28-year-old are the Tampa Bay Lightning and Toronto Maple Leafs.

The Lightning and Leafs don't have an abundance of assets to give up for Werenski like the Stars did. However, if those are the two destinations that Werenski truly desires, Waddell won't have much of a choice if he wants to move him.

On Wednesday morning, TSN's Darren Dreger said the Maple Leafs may be able to get Werenski without giving up 23-year-old left winger Matthew Knies in a trade.

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