Zach Werenski, Thomas Harley Trade May Happen Again Says NHL Insider

In the off-season, among the many headlines surrounding the Dallas Stars, was the trade that nearly happened when the Columbus Blue Jackets attempted to send superstar defenseman and reigning Norris Trophy winner Zach Werenski to the Stars in exchange for Thomas Harley, a rare one-for-one swap.

Now, according to NHL insider Jeff Marek, the two sides could come back together and try again.

"Zach Werenski Watch continues to be on; I don't think that the Dallas deal is done, I think right now it's on pause, that's the way it feels," Marek said this past week on Daily Faceoff Insider.

The Blue Jackets were largely motivated by concerns that Werenski may not re-sign and is under contract through the end of next season. The original attempt fell apart when Werenski exercised his no-move clause and vetoed the deal.

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For Columbus, the trade would bring back a defenseman four years younger, as Harley is 25 and Werenski is 29. Harley is also signed through 2034 at a very friendly $10.587 million that will only age better over time.

For Dallas, the move would be an upgrade on the back end, one that could help the Stars get over the hump and finally win a Stanley Cup with their current group after three Western Conference Final trips. If the Blue Jackets don't believe they can bring Werenski back, they could maximize their return by moving him early with term remaining, which could see Dallas attempt the deal again.

The two clubs have had very different starts with Columbus starting with a 4-5-0 record, tying with the Calgary Flames for the fourth-fewest points in the league. Werenski has been solid with six assists but no goals in nine games. Dallas, meanwhile, is 7-3-1 and riding a five-game win streak. Harley has put up similar numbers to Werenski, with five assists and no goals in 11 games.

If Columbus keeps struggling, the idea of a Werenski-Harley swap could resurface, potentially setting up another major blockbuster in Columbus this season, after the Blue Jackets already flipped Kirill Marchenko to the Toronto Maple Leafs for Matthew Knies.

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