Zach Werenski isn't going anywhere.
In a joint statement issued by Columbus Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell and Werenski himself on Wednesday, the reigning Norris Trophy winner made it known that he would be remaining with the only NHL team he's ever known for the foreseeable future.
"After some time and discussions with his family, Zach informed us that he didn't want to leave Columbus," Waddell's statement read.
Added Werenski in his statement: "I want to win and I want to do that in Columbus."
The news comes on the heels of word that, with two more seasons left on his contract, Werenski was unlikely to seek a contract extension with the Blue Jackets.
That led to Columbus shopping him and the defenceman even vetoing a trade to the Dallas Stars.
"Don and I have had very open and honest dialogue since the season ended," Werenski said. "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."
Other teams rumoured to be in the hunt for Werenski included the Toronto Maple Leafs and Tampa Bay Lightning, but it doesn't look like either club will get a chance to acquire the two-time all-star now.
The 28-year-old recorded 81 points and 59 assists in 75 games played this past season. He was taken eighth overall by Columbus in the 2015 draft.
