What happened: Zach Werenski, his agent Judd Moldaver, and Columbus Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell spoke Wednesday in an effort to defuse recent tension, according to Darren Dreger. Werenski is described as comfortable returning to Columbus. Waddell could still present the defenseman with a trade at some point, but that is not on the radar right now.

Why it matters: The conversation cools a situation that had been trending toward a split, coming after reports that Werenski vetoed a proposed move to Dallas. Keeping a No. 1 defenseman in the fold matters for a Blue Jackets team trying to build toward the 2026-27 season rather than reset its blue line.

What to watch: Watch whether Columbus and Werenski's camp move toward a longer-term commitment, and whether Waddell revisits the trade market before training camp opens for 2026-27.