Second Star: Zach Werenski
The fact that Zach Werenski started the season in the lineup is impressive. After playing most of the 2017-2018 season with a torn shoulder, Z spent the summer trying to make sure he was available after major offseason surgery. Thank goodness for the Jackets he was ready because they needed him more than they could have predicted.
For the first seven games of this year, Zach Werenski was the top defenseman on this team. With Seth Jones sidelined with a knee injury, it was up to Z to lead the defense and still continue to provide a scoring punch. He did just that without Jones on his side and he helped keep this team afloat without their Norris Trophy candidate in the lineup.
Z put up two goals and six assist through 11 games in the month of November. He was able to help keep this team above water as they missed a huge part of their team. Zach brought the offensive firepower needed to help the Jackets outscore their opponents in the first month of the season.
Although he hasn’t been dominate defensively, the offensive play of the 21-year-old was fantastic. That combined with the extra responsibilities thrown on his shoulders without Jones in the lineup, and you get a great performance from Zach in October. He is certainly worthy of the second star of the month for October.