For the second consecutive year, Zach Werenski is up for major hardware.
On Thursday, the 28-year-old defenseman was named among the three finalists for the Norris trophy, along with reigning Norris winner Cale Makar — a two-time winner — and first-time finalist, Rasmus Dahlin.
Going back a year, the 2024-25 season was Werenski's best in his years as an NHLer, elevating his All-Star status as among the best Columbus Blue Jackets on a nightly basis and becoming among the sport's truly elite players. He set personal highs with 82 points, 23 goals, and 59 assists. His historic 22-game home point streak, tying Phil Housley for third all-time, added to the allure of his campaign, marking his first as a Norris finalist.
If there was any question about Werenski and his game ahead of the 2025-26 season, it was what he would do for an encore. And he nearly outdid himself, registering 81 points, matching his 59 assists, scoring 22 goals, and putting up 1.08 points per game.
Werenski's 2025-26 Season
- Blue Jackets Leading Scorer In Points (81), Goals (22), And Assists (59)
- 16-Game Home Point Streak
- Olympic Goal Medal
- His 81 Points And 1.08 Points Per Game Finished Second Among All Defensemen (Bouchard, 95 and 1.16)
Werenski also had another crazy point streak, this time putting together a 16-game home point streak at Nationwide Arena.
In the end, Werenski finished second among all defensemen in points (Evan Bouchard, 95) and points per game (Bouchard, 1.16).
Among the group of finalists for the award, Werenski has the edge in points and goals and is tied for the most assists. Werenski had the most 5-on-5 goals (17) among defensemen and the most points (47). His production and points-per-game mark fueled the Blue Jackets' offense as a main reason why Columbus was in position for the playoffs.
However, that playoff dividing line might be the reason why a player does or does not win the award, depending on how the voters value the context and all the criteria.
No one is denying the value and importance Makar has on his team. Having teammates like Maurice "Rocket" Richard winner Nathan MacKinnon, who led the league with 53 goals, and a bevy of talent all around the regular-season league-best Colorado Avalanche certainly does help.
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Dahlin was a vital player for the resurgent Buffalo Sabres, ending what was a league-high 14-year playoff drought.
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And for the second straight year, the Blue Jackets fizzled down the stretch, ending the season on a 2-8-1 slide and missing the playoffs. Werenski also did not perform well in the team's final slate of games, putting up just four points (one goal, three assists) between Mar. 26 and the regular-season finale on April 14. The Blue Jackets were in second place in the Metropolitan Division on Mar. 25.
During the battle of former TNT panelists on Jan. 28, head coaches Rick Bowness in Columbus and Rick Tocchet of the Philadelphia Flyers, the Jackets won the TNT showcase 5-3, and Werenski drew praise, and for good reason, from the panel with a two-assist night.
Zach Werenski is now the league leader for defenseman points... he's also the league leader in impressing @HLundqvist with his skating pic.twitter.com/wMtkfP5NgA
— NHLonTNT (@NHL_On_TNT) January 29, 2026
Zach Werenski, potential Norris favorite (per @biznasty2point0) with the dish pic.twitter.com/1yOt4uaYJQ
— NHLonTNT (@NHL_On_TNT) January 29, 2026
Werenski then went on to the Olympic stage, helping Team U.S.A. win gold with his overtime assist to set up Jack Hughes' golden goal.
46 YEARS TO THE DAY. GOLD AGAIN. #WinterOlympicspic.twitter.com/zulrmPPLfA
— Team USA (@TeamUSA) February 22, 2026
Out of the Olympics, Werenski battled illness, which might have hampered his game upon his return. Werenski was second among all defensemen with 62 points and first with 20 goals from the start of the season through Feb. 4, when the league paused for the Olympic break.
Interesting to note that the Blue Jackets were 6-1-0 without Werenski in the lineup this season.
From when the season resumed on Feb. 25 through the end of the year, Werenski had 19 points and only two goals. Conversely, Dahlin was third among defensemen with 26 points and second with eight goals. Makar was sixth with 22 points, five of those being goals.
Voters will likely weigh overall player production compared to team performance, including scoring production and overall impact during critical time-of-year stretches of a season, but how much will probably also vary amongst those with a vote. No doubt, though, the Jackets' missing the playoffs ultimately hurts Werenski's chances. As well as his play down the stretch.
However, his point production beats the other two. So, maybe Werenski's MVP presence on his team further validates his case.
For what it's worth, NHL.com had Werenski as the favorite to bring him the award on April 14.
The situation in Columbus will be interesting to monitor for the second consecutive offseason. Bowness preached culture change if he were back as coach. Now he's back on a one-year deal. President and general manager Don Waddell figures to be busy as the Jackets desperately try to cure what ails them and get them into the playoffs.
From an individual perspective, Werenski raised his own bar as to what he can do on a nightly basis. Will he be adding the Norris trophy to his résumé next?
