Blue Jackets' Defenseman Secures NHL Award Nomination After Historic Season

This nomination was expected but not guaranteed, and now that it's official, it's time to celebrate Zach Werenski as he's accomplished something no other Columbus Blue Jackets Defenseman has: Securing a nomination for the NHL's Noris Trophy. Zach Werenski had a season, unlike any defenseman Columbus has ever seen. I've been waiting for this announcement to give him his own blog post, highlighting every moment and why he should win this honor given to the top NHL Defenseman every season.   

This season, Zach Werenski had a 22-Game Home Point Streak. This accomplishment placed him in the league's history books, tying him with defensive great Phill Housley who had his own streak back in 1991-1992. Throughout his 22 games, he had a 13-24-37. 

Zach Werenski was the only Columbus Blue Jacket in the 4-Nations Face-Off Tournament. He finished with a 0-6-6 record for Team USA. It was the most points of any player on the team. In addition, he appeared in all four of Team USA's Games, and at least one of those assists came in each game. This proved one of Zach Werenski's greatest arguments for winning the Noris Trophy in 2025: His defensive talents were valuable to both teams he played for this season in the NHL, the Columbus Blue Jackets and Team USA. 

On March 1, 2025, Zach Werenski would appear in his first outdoor NHL Stadium Series Game. In this game, he'd finish with a 0-2-2. 

Zach Werenski had so many multipoint games this season that I lost track, honestly! 

Zach Werenski would capture the franchise record for Most Assists by a Columbus Blue Jacket, taking the crown from Rick Nash on March 9th, 2025. He finished with 271 this season, surpassing Rick Nash's 260 by 11 and he'll continue to add to it for seasons to come. Personally, what makes this record being broken by Zach Werenski all the more exciting is that Rick Nash set it as a forward, the position meant to score, while Zach Werenski did so as a defenseman who just keeps scoring while protecting his goalie! 

As a whole this season, Zach Werenski became the first point-per-game defenseman in Columbus Blue Jackets history. He appeared in 81 of the team's 82 games and finished with a 23-59-82. 

Zach Werenski, above all things, showed true sportsmanship throughout the season. He stepped up as an Alternate Captain when Captain Boone Jenner suffered a major shoulder injury in practice ahead of the season. He was a presence in the locker room, on the ice, and in the community. I know that what I say matters to fans but likely not those voting on this award, but if any Blue Jackets' Defenseman has ever deserved the Noris Trophy, it is Zach Werenski.  

Congratulations to Columbus' Gr8, Zach Werenski. 







  

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