Norris Trophy triumph
Zach Werenski, the Michigan‑born defenseman who has spent a decade patrolling the blue line for the Columbus Blue Jackets, was crowned the 2026 James Norris Memorial Trophy winner, the NHL’s award for the league’s top defenseman.
His 81 points this season placed him second among all defensemen, while his 18 even‑strength goals topped the league, and his 260 shots on goal led the pack. The award marks the second time in three years that a Michigan‑trained player has captured the Norris, following Quinn Hughes’ triumph in 2024.
A season of records
Beyond the statistics, Werenski’s impact resonated in the Blue Jackets’ record‑breaking run. A nine‑game point streak that featured two goals and 11 assists helped the club surge to a 20‑3‑4 stretch, tying the franchise’s single‑season assist record and matching the totals set by Artemi Panarin in 2018‑19.
The accolade adds to a collection of international triumphs. Earlier this year, Werenski contributed to the United States’ gold‑medal effort at the Olympic Games and secured a championship at the 2025 World Championships, complementing earlier bronze at the 2016 World Juniors and a gold at the 2014 U17 Hockey Challenge.
From draft pick to franchise icon
Selected eighth overall in the 2015 draft, Werenski made his NHL debut on October 13, 2016, after a standout collegiate career at the University of Michigan, where he earned All‑American honors and was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year as a sophomore. His longevity and leadership now position him as the franchise’s all‑time leader among defensemen in goals, assists and points.