Vegas Golden Knights and Dallas Stars emerge as top landing spots for $57.5M Columbus Blue Jackets' star.(Image via X)The Columbus Blue Jackets’ defenseman Zach Werenski seems focused on seeking a trade from the team even though he is under contract with the team for two more seasons. Amid this, the Dallas Stars and the Vegas Golden Knights have emerged as potential landing spots for the star player.CategoryDetailsPlayerZach WerenskiCurrent TeamColumbus Blue JacketsRumored TeamsDallas Stars, Vegas Golden Knights, Toronto Maple Leafs, Philadelphia Flyers, Carolina HurricanesContract Status2 Years Remaining (UFA in 2028, Full NMC for 2026-27)Salary Cap Hit (New Team)$9,583,333 Average Annual Value (AAV)Trade LikelihoodHigh (Driven by player trade request and refusal to sign extension)Latest Insider UpdateDallas and Vegas are aggressively exploring his market alongside Toronto, Carolina, and Philadelphia.Potential ReturnEstablished, ready-now NHL roster players (Columbus will not accept pure draft picks or futures).Which teams are interested in Zach Werenski?Ever since the Columbus Blue Jackets’ alternate captain Zach Werenski has spoken about not signing a contract extension with the team, a number of rivals teams have been linked to him.As per NHL insiders, it seems the Dallas Stars and the Vegas Golden Knights could be making a move for him.What are insiders saying about the trade rumors?A few hours ago, Sportsnet’s Ryan Dixon noted in a recent report, “First off, the Stars would seem to fulfil Werenski’s desire to be on a team that can win the Cup beginning as early as 2027. If you’re Dallas, you’d feel pretty good about the odds you can retain Werenski beyond the summer of 2028, when he’s currently eligible to become a free agent. As for the Jackets, GM Don Waddell is pretty clear — Werenski or no Werenski — he wants a competitive team next fall in Ohio and isn’t looking to land three teenagers for his star defenceman.”Sportsnet’s Ryan Dixon added, “The Knights opened up some cap space by dealing away Pavel Dorofeyev at the draft and still have some business to tend to with pending-UFA defenceman Rasmus Anderson. The Knights are also said to be looking at the futures of forward Tomas Hertl and goalie Adin Hill. Clearing the space to not only get Werenski, but keep him in Nevada long-term is probably doable for the Golden Knights. Where Vegas might hit a roadblock, though, is — especially with Dorofeyev already dealt — there’s not an obvious starting point for a desirable return from Columbus’ perspective the way there is with Dallas and Toronto.”Contract details and salary cap implicationsThe Columbus Blue Jackets’ alternate captain Zach Werenski has two years remaining on his contract with the team with a $9,583,333 annual cap hit before becoming a free agent in 2028.For a team that trades for him, they must have over $9.58 million in cap space. Or else, the Columbus Blue Jackets must retain up to 50% of his salary.How could the trade impact the teams?For the Dallas Stars, trading for Zach Werenski is pretty affordable as the team trades away Thomas Harley's contract. Zach Werenski would be joining Miro Heiskanen in the team which will create the NHL's most dominant top defensive pair.For the Vegas Golden Knights, trading for Zach Werenski is a bit expensive as the team has only $4.63M in cap space.