Blue Jackets’ Zach Werenski Wins 2025-26 Norris Trophy

Zach Werenski came oh so close to winning his first Norris Trophy in 2024-25 finishing second to Colorado’s Cale Makar. In 2025-26, Werenski leveled his game up. It turned out to be enough to switch spots with Makar for this year’s Norris.

On Tuesday, the NHL announced that Werenski was the winner of the James Norris Memorial Trophy given annually to the “top defensive player who demonstrates throughout the season the greatest all-around ability in the position.”

Werenski was previously named a finalist along with Makar and Buffalo Sabres’ defenseman Rasmus Dahlin.

Voting for the Norris is done by members of the Professional Hockey Writer’s Association. Of the 198 ballots submitted, Werenski was first place on 113 of them making him the winner going away.

The NHL released a video showing Werenski winning the Norris as a surprise. As he was golfing, his family gathered at home with cameras in place. Although he thought he was speaking as part of a Father’s Day piece, it was to actually present him with the Norris Trophy.

Werenski became the first Blue Jacket ever to win the Norris and the sixth American player to do so. He also became the 10th defenseman in NHL history to lead his team in scoring in consecutive seasons and the fifth U.S. born defenseman in history to record at least 80 points in multiple seasons and the third to do it in consecutive seasons joining Phil Housley and Brian Leetch. Werenski also has consecutive 20-goal seasons joining only Housley and Reed Larson as the only American blue liners to do that.

Werenski adds the Norris Trophy to an already impressive collection of accolades he’s gained this season. he won gold medals at both the 2025 Men’s World Championships and at the Winter Olympics in Milan.

Werenski will be speaking to the media at 1 P.M. eastern to discuss winning the Norris Trophy.