Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman took to his podcast today to make his case for Columbus defenseman Zach Werenski.

Zach Werenski for the Norris? How about Zach Werenski for the Hart?

On today’s episode, he had the following to say about Werenski, “There’s a lot of MVP talk this week, and some people are going ‘Nathan MacKinnon would be a great choice,’ other people are going ‘Leon Draisaitl, who scored his 47th goal, would be a great choice.’ I have to tell you something: I don’t know if I have a vote this year. I haven’t been told yet, but if Columbus makes the playoffs, I’m going to be making a case for Zach Werenski.”

“I just want to say this: If Columbus gets in, I’m going to be thinking long and hard about Zach Werenski #1 on my Hart ballot if I have one. I can't help but think that he deserves consideration for the Hart.”

Werenski currently has 20 goals and 69 points. His 69 points are tops on his team and second among all NHL defensemen. He also just recently became the franchise leader in assists and broke his own record for most points by a CBJ defenseman in a season. Of the league leaders, no one is more important to their team than Zach Werenski. 

He is six points behind Cale Makar for the league lead among defenders, and if not for Makar's six-point night the other night, Zach could be pushing for the lead. 

What's Next: The New York Rangers visit Nationwide Arena on Saturday. 

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