Zach Werenski of the Columbus Blue Jackets has ascended to elite status among NHL defensemen. Over the last two years, he has significantly improved his performance. In the previous season, he recorded 23 goals and 59 assists, totaling 82 points across 81 games. This outstanding performance earned him a second-place nod in the Norris Trophy voting, trailing only Colorado Avalanche’s Cale Makar.
Currently, Werenski is having another strong season. Through 64 games, he has accumulated 21 goals and 56 assists for a total of 77 points. If he maintains this pace, he could reach around 90 points by the end of the season. His outstanding contributions also coincide with the Blue Jackets’ resurgence, as they currently sit second in the Metropolitan Division. This marks a significant improvement for the team, which last made the playoffs in 2020.
Zach Werenski: Norris Trophy Favorite
Given his remarkable performance, Werenski has emerged as the leading candidate to win his first Norris Trophy, awarded annually to the NHL’s best defenseman. On a recent episode of Daily Faceoff LIVE, analysts Tyler Yaremchuk and Carter Hutton discussed his Norris-worthy season.
Expert Opinions on Werenski’s Impact
- Tyler Yaremchuk: He noted that Werenski is not only the top candidate for the Norris Trophy but could also be considered for the MVP. His importance to the Columbus team cannot be overstated, as he averages over 26 minutes of play per game and contributes significantly in all situations.
- Carter Hutton: He emphasized that Werenski carries much of the offensive load for the Blue Jackets. While discussing point totals, he pointed out the drop-off in scoring among Werenski’s teammates, with second-place scorers only reaching 59 and 55 points.
In contrast, other leading defensemen typically have a supporting cast that contributes to their scoring totals. For instance, Evan Bouchard benefits from stars like Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid, while Makar has support from Martin Necas and Nathan MacKinnon. In contrast, Werenski’s contributions are pivotal for the Blue Jackets, highlighting his value to the team.
This season, as Werenski continues to shine on the ice, his chances of securing the Norris Trophy appear increasingly strong. Fans and analysts alike are watching closely as the season progresses.
