When Zach Werenski was drafted eighth overall in 2015, the hope in Columbus was that he’d become a franchise cornerstone — a defenseman who could log heavy minutes, drive offense from the back end, and anchor the blue line for a decade or more. Ten years later, that vision has finally crystallized into reality.
Werenski enters the 2025-26 season not just as the Blue Jackets’ undisputed No. 1 defenseman once again, but now as one of the premier blueliners in the entire NHL. The 28-year-old is coming off a career year in which he posted 23 goals and 59 assists for 82 points in 82 games.
Last season, he quarterbacked one of the league’s most prolific offenses, and averaged a staggering 26:44 of ice time per night — the highest of his career. More importantly, he stayed healthy, and his consistency was a stabilizing force for a team that flirted with playoff contention deep into the spring.
In Dean Evason's system, Werenski's role is as demanding as it is vital. He's tasked with initiating clean breakouts, joining the rush without sacrificing defensive structure, and matching up against the opposition's best forwards.
His intelligent skating and vision make him a natural fit for the quick-transition style Evason wants, and his chemistry with new regular partner Dante Fabbro has given Columbus a reliable top pairing that can handle heavy defensive assignments while still generating offense, in a way the franchise hasn't had since the time of prime Z and Seth Jones.
Last season’s underlying numbers back up the eye test: Werenski finished with a substantial positive expected goals differential at five-on-five, drove possession in all three zones, and ranked among the league’s best defensemen in controlled zone exits. His shot from the point remains a weapon, but it’s his ability to read plays and create seams through traffic that has elevated the Jackets’ offensive threat from the blue line.
Off the ice, Werenski has grown into one of the franchise’s most visible leaders, not just now, but across its entire 25-year history. As an alternate captain, he’s embraced the responsibility of setting the tone for a locker room that’s balancing a veteran core with an influx of young talent. His presence in the community — from youth hockey initiatives to charity events — has only deepened his connection with the fan base.
The challenge now is sustaining this level. Columbus is aiming to take the next step in a Metropolitan Division that remains brutally competitive. For the Jackets to push into the playoff picture, Werenski will need to replicate last year’s production while continuing to log the kind of heavy, matchup-driven minutes that define elite defensemen.
One bold prediction: Werenski's impact is so profound that he garners legitimate Hart Trophy consideration and finishes among the league's top 10 vote-getters for the NHL's MVP award.
Zach Werenski has always had the talent. Now, with health, maturity, and the right system in place, he's delivering on the promise that made him a top-10 pick.
For the first time, it's not just Blue Jackets fans saying it — the rest of the league is taking notice. I know he doesn't care much for the stats and trophies himself, but if he plays at a Hart trophy level this season... look out, NHL.