American · Columbus, USA · Born 19 July 1997Zach Werenski is an American defenceman and Columbus Blue Jackets franchise leader in points by a defenceman, who won the Norris Trophy.
Zachary Kenneth Werenski was born on 19 July 1997 in Grosse Pointe, Michigan, and played in the 2009 Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament with the Detroit Belle Tire minor team before training with the USA Hockey National Team Development Program during the 2013-14 season. Werenski played one season at the University of Michigan before the Columbus Blue Jackets selected him eighth overall in the 2015 NHL Draft, and he made an immediate impact as a rookie, earning NHL All-Rookie Team honours in his debut professional season. Werenski developed into one of the league's premier offensive defencemen, becoming an alternate captain for Columbus and representing the United States internationally, renowned for his ability to quarterback the power play and generate offence from the blue line at an elite level. Werenski has continued to anchor Columbus's defence corps for his entire career to date, remaining one of the most productive and highly regarded American-born defencemen in the modern NHL, a cornerstone of the franchise since his draft selection.
Columbus Blue Jackets defenceman and franchise scoring leader among blueliners
How They Played
Werenski is an elite offensive defenseman known for his exceptional skating ability and powerful shot from the point. He possesses excellent vision and passing skills, allowing him to quarterback power plays effectively and contribute significantly to his team's offensive production while maintaining solid defensive fundamentals.
Career Honours
- Norris Trophy winner
| Team | Period | GP | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Michigan | 2014–2016 | — | 17 |
| Columbus Blue Jackets | 2016–2024 | 537 | 85 |
 USA | — | 45 | 8 |
American Athletes