Blue Jackets 2024 season preview, Zach Werenski will be a workhorse from the back end

Zach Werenski has been a mainstay with the Blue Jackets since being taken 8th overall in the 2015 NHL Draft. He has been the #1 defenseman that the CBJ envisioned. Some may say that he has exceeded expectations.

Werenski had another solid season in 2023-2024. He was the top defenseman on the team and played in all situations. He set personal bests for assists (46) and points (57) in a single season. Werenski had a revolving door of playing partners this past season. Yet, he seemed to be steady in all facets of the game and showed the ability to play with anyone.

Werenski needed a bounce back season in 2023-2024. He missed almost the entire 2022-2023 campaign due to a shoulder injury. Luckily, he was able to stay mostly healthy this past season. He played in 70 of 82 games.

Werenski will once again be the #1 defenseman for the CBJ in 2024-2025. He will play on the top power play unit, top penalty killing unit, and will be matched up against the opponents’ top players on a nightly basis. At this time, we aren’t sure who is defensive partner will be. It wouldn’t surprise me if he started playing with Damon Severson. But if young David Jiricek plays well this season, it also wouldn’t surprise me if he is partnered with Werenski at some point too.

Werenski is signed through the 2027-2028 season at $9.583 million AAV. Werenski is one of the best (if not the best) defenseman that the club has ever had. He will be wearing union blue for at least another four years unless things change. It wouldn’t surprise me if he signed an extension at the termination of his contract. By 2028, the team should have a lot of their high end prospects playing in the NHL. The goal is that the team is contending by that time. So, Werenski may want to stay with the Jackets to play for a contending team.

One bold prediction: Zach Werenski will score more than 20 goals.

Over the last handful of seasons, when healthy, Werenski seems to improve upon his prior season. Whether that be in point totals, goal totals, or defensively. He seems to find ways to get better, which is a huge positive for the club. I think that he will again be the #1 defenseman for the Blue Jackets, and he will carry the load offensively for the team from the back end. He hit the 20 goal plateau once in his career. I think he can hit and exceed it this season.

Werenski will have a lot of weight will be put on his shoulders. His veteran presence and skill will be key to bringing along a young and fragile defense.