Zach Werenski played a majority of the 2025-26 season, only missing 7 games of the season. He nearly matched his prior seasons point total (82 pts in 2024-25 and 81 pts in 2025-26). He played in all situations (power play, penalty kill, etc.). He was the #1 defenseman and top player for the Blue Jackets all season long.
Werenski season was so strong that he won the Norris Trophy. Last season he was a finalist for the award. This season, he was crowned as the best defenseman in the NHL. He also won Gold at the Olympic games, setting up the winning goal in the process.
The only blemish on Werenski's year was a late season slump while the CBJ was in the midst of a playoff push. We all know how poorly the Blue Jackets finished the 2025-26 season. Their final stretch was bad enough that it knocked them out of the playoff picture.
Every player had their struggles down the stretch, Werenski included. While I’m not saying he played poorly, I am saying that he didn’t play at as high of a level that he had been playing over the prior three months. That dip in production was the only blemish on Werenski’s season.
The CBJ had their ups and downs throughout the 2025-26 campaign. Werenski was very vocal throughout the season. His leadership has led many to wonder if he will be the next captain of the Blue Jackets. The current captain (Boone Jenner) is an unrestricted free agent. If he does not return, there will be a vacancy at captain. I fully expect Werenski to be the top (or next to top) choice to fill that void.
Werenski has 2 years remaining on his current contract that pays him $9.58 million per season. He will be an unrestricted free agent at the conclusion of the 2027-28 season. He loves being a Blue Jacket and wants to stay in Columbus.
However, if the CBJ are unable to improve and get into the playoffs next season, there will be questions about Werenski’s long-term future here. He may decide that he wants to spend the final half of his career elsewhere chasing a Stanley Cup. While there is desire to keep him in Columbus and he wants to be here, he also wants to win. The next 2 seasons will determine if Werenski will continue in Columbus any longer than that.
Final season stats: 75 games played, 22 goals, 59 assists, 81 points, 18 PIM, +7, 260 shots on goal, Overall grade: A
Werenski turned in yet another stellar season, one is why he won the Norris Trophy. The only reason he gets an A and not an A+ is because his production dipped towards the tail end of the season.
This was true for most of the team, as the CBJ limped to a 3-9-1 finish. However, had Werenski maintained his stellar play, the Blue Jackets may have finished stronger and made the playoffs. Therefore, he receives an A and not an A+.
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