Columbus Blue Jackets [http://thn.com/columbus] defenseman Zach Werenski is the 2026 Norris Trophy winner. Werenski becomes the first Blue Jackets to win the award. Zach was surprised at a family BBQ with the award in front of family and friends. As he thought he was giving an interview about being a new dad, they brought out the Norris Trophy and surprised him. Werenski received first-place votes on 113 of the 198 ballots, which was 66 more than Cale Makar. Games Played - 75 - Down from 81 in 24-25. Werenski had an illness that sidelined him for a few games, and he blocked a shot that kept him out as well. Goals - 22 - Down from 23 the previous year, but he played less games this year. Werenski led league defensemen in even strength goals. and had 4 power play goals. Assists - 59 - He tied the single-season franchise record for assists (59 by himself in 2024-25 & Artemi Panarin in 2018-19). He had 17 power-play assists. Points - 81 - Down a single point from 24-25. He is only the third American-born defenseman in NHL history to post consecutive 80-point seasons (Housley from 1991-93 & Leetch from 1990-92). Werenski is also just the second skater in franchise history (Artemi Panarin) to post two-straight 50-assist and 70-point campaigns. He set the single-season franchise record for most multi-point performances (26), surpassing Panarin’s 25 in 2018-19. He also set a club record for most multi-point games in a season. Shots On Goal - 260 - Down from 298 in 24-25. Finished 13th among all players in shots. Time On Ice - 26:37 - Basically even compared to 24-25. He finished 2nd behind Quinn Hughes for average ice time in the entire league. Blocks - 94 - 4th most in his career. Congrats to Zach Werenski. Next Up For Columbus: The NHL Draft is on June 26 and 27 in Buffalo, where the CBJ will own pick #14. Stay updated with the most interesting Blue Jackets stories, analysis, breaking news, and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News [https://news.google.com/publications/CAAqBwgKMK-q0gsw7sXpAw/sections/CAQqEAgAKgcICjCvqtILMO7F6QMwm-DfCA?hl=en-CA&gl=CA&ceid=CA%3Aen] and never miss a story. Let us know what you think below. For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free [https://thehockeynews.store/products/print-subscription]. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here [http://eepurl.com/i7OC4I]. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum.
