Columbus Blue Jackets: Zach Werenski Sophomore Slump
The Columbus Blue Jackets defense is young and seems poised to take a step forward from a record setting 2016-2017 season. But is Zach Werenski in for a sophomore slump?
After an excellent 2016-2017 season, many believe the Columbus Blue Jackets and their young squad will take steps forward this season. The youngest team in the NHL last season, the Jackets should develop into a better team than last year. They will likely take a step forward this offseason and another Torts training camp under their belt won’t hurt the cause.
The youngest player on the Jackets squad is expected to continue to grow and become one of the leagues best defenseman. Zack Werenski came out last year and stunned the NHL world, posting 47 points in his rookie campaign. That was good for 7th among rookies, and 13th among to all defenseman. That said, Zach Werenksi might be staring down a sophomore slump season.
Related Story: Werenski Breaks CBJ Rookie Scoring Record
The NHL season is a grind. 82 games plus playoffs is a lot of hockey. This was Werenski’s first full season in the NHL and he logged more ice time than he ever has. It takes time for the body to catch up to torture like Werenski’s legs have been put through. It will be an adjustment for him to ensure his body is ready for every game after a stretch of hockey like he experienced.
Mentally, it will be interesting to see how Werenski recovers from the puck he took to the face in game three against the Penguins in the playoffs. We all know this guy is tough. He came back out and played with a broken face until he literally couldn’t see anymore.
But will it affect him long term? Will he still play with reckless abandon? It could be a little while until he is fully confident again back on the ice.
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Power Play Productivity
Finally will the power play be as effective next year? Werenski put up big numbers on the power play. 21 of 47 points with the man advantage and many of those in what turned out to be an unsustainable tear where the Jackets converted at a 30% rate.
Werenski, and the entire Jackets squad will be a target of better defense, especially on the power play. A year of film gives the best players in the world an opportunity to study Werenski and attack his weaknesses. I find it tough to believe that even with Artemi Panarin, Werenski will be as effective on the power play as he was last season.
The 20-year-old defenseman is primed for a sophomore slump next season. He has proven everyone wrong so far in his career though. Prove me wrong Zach.