Columbus Blue Jackets
Blue Jackets Zach Werenski Having Norris Caliber Season
Zach Werenski has emerged as a superstar. Is it time to consider him as a potential Norris Trophy candidate?
Defenseman Zach Werenski has been a star this season. The former eighth-overall pick is currently sitting at over a point-per-game rate looking to pass his career high in points. Werenski leads the Blue Jackets with 48 points while defending against opposing teams’ top players. How can he not be an early Norris Trophy candidate for the 2024-25 season?
Zach Werenski Has Taken the Next Step
Werenski was always a defenseman with solid potential. This season, he has taken the next step, often leading the Columbus Blue Jackets to victory. The Blue Jackets currently hold the second wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference.
Werenski is a two-time NHL all-star who has emerged as a superstar. It was announced early in December that he would be a member of Team USA in the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament in February. This is a phenomenal accomplishment for the defenseman, who has already represented his country with class.
Zach Werenski does it again‼️
— NHL (@NHL) January 10, 2025
That's now 16 home games in a row with a point! #NHLStats: https://t.co/J9STRFRF4z pic.twitter.com/0fla6cRYUP
Werenski has represented the United States at the World Junior level and in the World Championship. He was the captain of the 2016 World Junior team and was the highest-scoring defenseman in the tournament. As a member of Team USA at the 4 Nations tournament, he’ll look to continue America’s recent winning in international hockey.
Blue Jackets Proving Doubters Wrong
The Columbus Blue Jackets have been one of the most surprising teams in the NHL this season. Many people believed that this team was going to be near the bottom of the standings. Some may consider that the Columbus Blue Jackets have come together since the passing of forward Johnny Gaudreau. They have used this grief as motivation to find consistent play and remind themselves who they are playing for.
Zach Werenski and Boone Jenner (off-ice) have played a key role in this as they gave speeches at the Gaudreau candlelight vigil in Columbus, stating what an exciting player Johnny was. Alongside this motivation, Sean Monahan and Kirill Marchenko are having excellent seasons. Both putting up top-line numbers and being difference makers in close games. Will the Blue Jackets keep this going?
The Columbus Blue Jackets look to keep things rolling Saturday against St. Louis.
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