Blue Jackets’ Zach Werenski Named Norris Trophy Finalist for Second Consecutive Season in 2026

Zach Werenski added to his memorable 2025-26 season on Thursday. He is once again up for one of the NHL’s most prestigious awards.

The NHL announced that Werenski was a finalist for the Norris Trophy, given to the league’s top defensive player who demonstrates the greatest all-around ability in the position. The other finalists are Rasmus Dahlin and Cale Makar.

This marks the second consecutive season that Werenski has been named a finalist for the Norris Trophy. In 2025, he finished as the runner-up to Colorado’s Cale Makar.

This year, Werenski is considered the favorite to win the Norris Trophy. His impact on the Columbus Blue Jackets cannot be understated despite just falling short of the playoffs.

Recapping Werenski’s Season

Defensemen in the NHL generally do not lead their team in scoring. Werenski not only led the team in scoring, he did so by 14 points over second place. He has now led the Blue Jackets in scoring in consecutive seasons posting 82 and 81 points respectively. He has done this without the benefit of a forward in the top-50 in NHL scoring. Kirill Marchenko finished tied for 57th.

Werenski finished tied for third amongst defensemen in goals with 22 and tied for fourth in assists with 59. Had it not been for an illness after the Olympics, those numbers would have been even higher.

But it’s the work Werenski has done at 5-on-5 and defensively that have put him in this position to not only be a finalist for the Norris Trophy, but the favorite to win it. He led all defenseman in 5-on-5 points (47) as well as 5-on-5 goals (17) per Nat Stat Trick. He did that while having the second-most average ice time in the NHL at 26:37 per game.

With Werenski on the ice, the Blue Jackets outscored their opposition 81-66 at 5-on-5. He also played over 91 minutes on the penalty kill this season showing he played in every important situation.

While other great defensemen posted some better numbers in certain areas, Werenski’s profile seems to have the best of all worlds as he’s shown an improvement defensively. He’s not just an offensive specialist.

The Blue Jackets improved to 92 points in the standings in 2025-26. Werenski’s production was a big reason for that. He was by far the team’s MVP. It’s very possible he’ll get a few votes for the Hart Trophy when that comes out.

Should Werenski win the Norris Trophy, that would add to the double gold medals he won for Team U.S.A. at the Men’s World Championships and at the Winter Olympics in Milan.

After being the runner-up for the Norris Trophy last season, Werenski said he wanted to try to win it this season. He is one step closer to that goal now. Winners are expected to be announced later in June before the NHL Draft in Buffalo.