​Columbus Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell has addressed the NHL offseason speculation surrounding Zach Werenski, making it clear the public narrative never matched the team’s private discussions.Speaking on First Up on Tuesday, Waddell explained that constant trade rumors created confusion before the defenseman ultimately decided to remain in Columbus.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement“Well, certainly the difficult part, to be honest with you, was the media because the media is not involved in our discussions,” Waddell said. “Our discussions were totally much different than what was being portrayed at times.”MORE: Macklin Celebrini willing to sacrifice salary for Sharks’ future successWaddell revealed he met Werenski several times, including a breakfast meeting in Detroit, while also speaking with him regularly by phone. He stressed that contract talks were never part of the conversation because NHL rules prevent negotiations until next summer.“Nobody, first of all, we can’t negotiate a contract until next summer with him anyways,” Waddell said. “That got mistaken that we were in a hurry to trade him and he wanted to be traded.”AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementWaddell confirmed Columbus explored a potential trade with the Dallas Stars before checking with Werenski’s camp.“When we were talking to Dallas about the trade, when I called his agent, within an hour, I got a call back saying Zach wants to be a Blue Jacket. He doesn’t want to go any place,” Waddell said.The veteran executive said the following meeting removed any remaining uncertainty.“He said that he’s been here 10 years. He wants to see the team back in the playoffs. He’s fully committed here,” Waddell said. “For now, he was very excited about staying here and taking this team to where we need to get back to the playoffs.”AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementColumbus avoided losing more than its top defenseman. Werenski is coming off a Norris Trophy-winning season with 81 points and remains the franchise’s cornerstone. The Blue Jackets missed the playoffs for a sixth straight year after a late collapse, but keeping their captain-like leader gives the organization stability.MORE: Connor Hellebuyck trade is ‘95%’ likely amid Jets uncertaintyThe focus now shifts from trade speculation to building a roster capable of rewarding Werenski’s loyalty with meaningful postseason hockey.