Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski has won the Norris Trophy as the NHL’s top defenseman, the league announced Tuesday. It is the first Norris Trophy of Werenski’s career and the first in Blue Jackets franchise history.
Werenski, 28, beat out Colorado Avalanche star Cale Makar and Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin for the award. Over 75 games, the Grosse Pointe, Michigan native produced 22 goals and 59 assists for 81 points, finishing second among NHL defensemen in scoring behind Edmonton Oilers defenseman Evan Bouchard. His strong all-around season also included elite recognition from voters, with Werenski appearing on 194 of 198 ballots, including 113 first-place votes, for a total of 1,589 points.
The victory adds another milestone to Werenski’s career with Columbus. He is already the Blue Jackets’ all-time leader in goals, assists and points, and the Norris win further cements his place as the most accomplished player in franchise history. His season was highlighted by a career-best nine-game point streak spanning January and February, a stretch that helped fuel Columbus’ late-season push. The Blue Jackets stayed in the playoff race deep into the spring but ultimately fell short of a postseason berth.
Werenski’s year was not limited to the NHL. He also captured Olympic gold with the United States in February in Milan, adding an international title to an already standout season. The combination of scoring, offensive consistency and defensive impact made him the clear choice among voters and set him apart in one of the league’s most competitive award races.
Makar finished second in Norris voting with 1,191 points, while Dahlin was third with 657 points and Bouchard came in fourth with 593. Montreal Canadiens defenseman Lane Hutson finished sixth with 357 points and received three first-place votes.
Werenski’s win marks a major individual breakthrough for one of the NHL’s most productive American defensemen. It also gives Columbus a landmark moment in franchise history, as the Blue Jackets now have their first Norris Trophy winner after years of building around Werenski as the centerpiece on the blue line.
