The Tampa Bay Lightning are reportedly among Zach Werenski’s preferred landing spots should the Columbus Blue Jackets move the Norris Trophy winner.

According to Pierre LeBrun and Chris Johnston, Werenski would prefer to remain in the Eastern Conference if traded, with the Lightning and Toronto Maple Leafs viewed as the “inner circle”.

The report comes after league sources told The Athletic that Werenski declined a trade to the Dallas Stars on Tuesday night. The discussions, which were not made public, reportedly fell through after Werenski exercised the no-movement clause in his contract.

While the 28-year-old defenseman has not formally requested a trade, he has reportedly informed the Blue Jackets that he does not plan to sign a contract extension when his current deal expires.

Columbus is believed to be seeking an NHL-ready return in any potential trade involving Werenski. According to the report, the Stars’ proposal included defenseman Thomas Harley, who recently began an eight-year contract carrying an average annual value of $10.587 million.

Werenski is coming off a career season in which he won the Norris Trophy as the NHL’s top defenseman. Any potential trade would likely rank among the league’s most significant moves this offseason, though no deal sounds imminent.

For the Lightning, acquiring a player like Werenski would address an offensive need on the blue line, following the exit of Darren Raddysh. The move would likely send J.J. Moser to Columbus. The team also has a number of young players ready to go, including Sam O’Reilly, Benjamin Rautiainen, and Conor Geekie.

Whether the Lightning have the cap flexibility and trade assets necessary to make a deal remains to be seen, but with Werenski reportedly open to joining, Tampa Bay is expected to be one to watch.