27-year-old Zach Werenski from Grosse Pointe, Michigan is already the best defenseman in Columbus Blue Jackets franchise history.
Zach Werenski, the top defenseman for the Columbus Blue Jackets had himself a night last night against the Tampa Bay Lightning.
The national media knows what people who follow Columbus already know - Zach Werenski is an elite NHL defenseman. He has 9 points in the last four games.
So let's look at what Zach Werenski did last night.
- 2 goals - 6 total for the year
- 3 Assists - 13 total
- 5 Points - 19 total
- 27:24 TOI - Averages 25:46 on the season
- 8 Shots on Goal - 73 on the season
- 13 Shot Attempts
- 2 Blocks
- 1 Takeaway
- His 5-point night set a franchise record for points by a defenseman in a single game.
- The 5 points he recorded last night was the first 5-point game by a defenseman this season in the NHL.
First Werenski Goal Of The Night
Second Werenski Goal Of The Night
Where Does He Rank Among NHL Defenseman?
- Zach Werenski is second among all defensemen in the NHL with 19 points, second to only Cale Makar's 28.
- His 6 goals are second among defensemen.
- His 13 assists are 9th.
- He leads all NHL defensemen with 73 shots on goal.
- He leads all NHL defensemen with 25:46 TOI.
- His 1.0 PPG is tied for third.
Simply put, Zach Werenski is having a great season. He's now on pace for a career-high 82 points, which would beat his high mark of 57 set last year by a large margin.
When he's healthy he's not only the best D-man on the Columbus Blue Jackets, but he's the best all-around player on the CBJ. One could argue he's one of the top 5 defensemen in the entire NHL, and that means good things for the Blue Jackets.
Next Stop - Four Nations Faceoff Roster Spot?
Dean Evason's postgame comment about Zach Werenski: “I’ve seen a lot of hockey players. I don’t think I’ve seen one like him. Honestly. He’s amazing.”
What's Next - The Blue Jackets are back home on Saturday to play the red-hot Carolina Hurricanes.
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