Zach Werenski- Norris Trophy?

In the NHL individual accolades often go to those who generate the most headlines. While other defensemen play for perennial contenders like Cale Makar of the Colorado Avalanche or are yearly favorites like last year’s winner Quinn Hughes,  Zach Werenski of the Columbus Blue Jackets proves that their contributions to the game are equally significant, if not more so. As the 2025 NHL season progresses, Werenski is quietly making a compelling case for the Norris Trophy, awarded annually to the league’s top defenseman.

“I’ve seen a lot of hockey players. I don’t think I’ve seen one like him. Honestly. He’s amazing.”- CBJ Head Coach Dean Evanson

Offensive Contributions

A hallmark of a top-tier defenseman is their ability to contribute offensively, and Werenski exemplifies this trait. With a combination of adept skating, a powerful shot, and exceptional vision, he consistently leads the Blue Jackets’ rush from the back end. His offensive proficiency is highlighted by his ability to quarterback the power play, creating opportunities and generating scoring chances. As the backbone of the Blue Jackets’ blue line, Werenski’s contributions are often reflected in his point totals, making him a key player in both even-strength scenarios and special teams.

Remember, the puck always moves faster than any man. The two passes leading up to this goal are so good. It’s on Voronkov’s tape for a millisecond (!) and then Fantilli makes it easy for Zach. This is a thing of beauty. #CBJ pic.twitter.com/rlb9B5ZvlX

— Jeff Svoboda (@JacketsInsider) January 10, 2025

Defensive Prowess

While offensive stats are often the first to come to mind, Werenski’s defensive abilities are what truly set him apart in the Norris Trophy conversation. A reliable presence in his own zone, he exhibits an impressive understanding of positioning and anticipation. His ability to read plays and limit the opposition’s chances contributes to the overall effectiveness of the Blue Jackets’ defense. Werenski’s physicality enables him to win battles along the boards, while his skating agility allows him to recover quickly and disrupt opposing forwards.

Leadership

In addition to his on-ice skills, Werenski serves as a leader for the Columbus Blue Jackets. As one of the team’s standout players, he is often looked to for guidance, particularly by younger teammates. His work ethic and commitment to the game set a standard, fostering a culture of accountability within the locker room. Leadership qualities in a defenseman can significantly influence a team’s success, making Werenski’s role invaluable to the Blue Jackets’ ambitions.

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Statistical Impact

To solidify his case for the Norris Trophy, looking at specific statistics further underscores Werenski’s contributions. His shot-blocking ability, plus/minus rating, and contributions to advanced metrics such as Corsi and expected goals against provide concrete evidence of his impact on games. Through his performances, he not only helps maintain the team’s defensive integrity but also contributes positively to their overall goal differential—an important factor considered by Norris Trophy voters.

Stats as of January 10th (ranking among DMen/NHL ranking)

Goals: 13 (T1/T15)
Assists: 35 (3/T7)
Points: 38 (2/T9)
P/PG: 1.14 (2/T16)
GWG: 3 (T1/T6)
TOI: 26:30 (1/1)

Conclusion

As the 2025 NHL season unfolds, Zach Werenski continues to make a name for himself as one of the league’s premier defensemen. By showcasing his offensive capabilities, defensive reliability, and leadership qualities, he is positioning himself as a serious contender for the Norris Trophy. While he may not always receive the same level of attention as some of his peers, his contributions to the Columbus Blue Jackets are undeniable. In a league that increasingly values two-way play, Werenski stands out as a prime example of what it means to be a modern defenseman, making a compelling case for recognition as the NHL’s best. If Werenski maintains the pace he is on now, and the Blue Jackets do make the playoffs (They hold the 2nd WC spot, and are only 1 point behind the Bruins for the 1st WC spot currently) he should not only be in the conversation for the Norris Trophy, but he should also get some serious consideration for the Hart Trophy as well.