© Samantha Madar/USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/c4c920d3-cb69-464e-9e25-9f73c8e9be3d.jpeg] © Samantha Madar/USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images After the incredible season that Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski had, he was honored as a finalist for the Norris Trophy, alongside Cale Makar and Quinn Hughes. On Thursday, he received massive praise from an NHL legend—Mark Messier. Messier had nothing but great things to say about Werenski’s game, and now he’s officially on everyone’s radar. Messier on Werenski this season: "What a hockey player, what a story he's become. His game is just so beautiful to watch… What a great hockey player he is." At any point in an athlete’s career, being recognized by one of the greatest to ever play the game is a huge honor. But when a legend like Messier speaks this highly of you, you know you’re doing something right. Werenski just had the best season of his career, and now the hope is that he gets the recognition he deserves by winning his first Norris Trophy—which would also be the first in Blue Jackets history. Sean Monahan Voted As Masterton Trophy Finalist [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/4bf56f91-df28-47fb-9067-38c705a5f788.jpeg] Sean Monahan Voted As Masterton Trophy Finalist The National Hockey League has announced that Columbus Blue Jackets forward Sean Monahan has been named a finalist for the Masterton Trophy. [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/columbus-blue-jackets/latest-news/sean-monahan-voted-as-masterton-trophy-finalist] He finished the season with 23 goals, 59 assists, and 82 points in 81 games, while posting a +12 rating. He also tied the third-longest home point streak by a defenseman in NHL history, recording 14 goals, 27 assists, and 41 points in 22 games from November 1 to February 22. Additionally, Werenski made Blue Jackets history by becoming the franchise’s all-time assists leader, passing Rick Nashwith 259 career assists. All that’s left now is for Werenski to be crowned Norris Trophy winner, which would be the perfect way to cap off an unforgettable season. Report: Former Blue Jackets Player Suffers Serious Injury [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/a534c68f-97bc-429f-aa47-bee4c7d5d2f2.jpeg] Report: Former Blue Jackets Player Suffers Serious Injury According to The Hockey News’s very own <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/tampa-bay-lightning/author/diandra-loux" target="_blank">Diandra Loux</a> from the <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/tampa-bay-lightning" target="_blank">Tampa Bay Lightning</a> team page, Oliver Bjorkstrand suffered a very serious injury while playing for the Lightning. [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/columbus-blue-jackets/latest-news/report-former-blue-jackets-player-suffers-serious-injury] 2025 Columbus Blue Jackets Free Agent Targets: Matt Duchene [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/3925c439-2e05-4769-8779-34da5b4744d7.jpeg] 2025 Columbus Blue Jackets Free Agent Targets: Matt Duchene Yesterday, we covered the possibility of the Columbus Blue Jackets targeting Mitch Marner or Brock Boeser. With approximately $40 million in cap space, Don Waddell will want to do something. [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/columbus-blue-jackets/latest-news/2025-columbus-blue-jackets-free-agent-targets-matt-duchene]
