- First Norris of Werenski’s career, and the first in Blue Jackets history
- 22 goals, 81 points and 26:37 a night in 75 games for Columbus
- Read below for the video and the surprise reveal at his family barbecue near Detroit
Zach Werenski finally has his Norris.
The Blue Jackets defenseman was voted the NHL’s best blueliner on Tuesday, beating out Cale Makar and Rasmus Dahlin to win the James Norris Memorial Trophy for the first time. He’s the first player in Columbus history to take it home, per NHL.com.
NHL Productions surprised the 28-year-old at his house in Grosse Pointe Shores, Michigan, where Werenski hosts about a dozen relatives every offseason Sunday for a barbecue. He thought the camera crew was there for a Father’s Day feature.
Only his wife Odette and brother Brad knew what was coming. Here’s the video of the reveal:
Glenn Stants of the Hockey Hall of Fame snuck up holding the trophy while Werenski answered questions about his newborn son, Hudson, born 2 1/2 weeks ago. His dad, Ken, ran up and bear-hugged him after he turned around.
Werenski needed a beat before he could even speak:
“I’m at a loss for words, to be honest with you, guys. It’s incredible.”
The on-ice case was rock-solid. Werenski put up 22 goals and 59 assists for 81 points in 75 games, second among NHL defensemen, and averaged 26 minutes and 37 seconds of ice time a night. He also picked up the assist on the United States’ golden goal at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan.
Aaron Portzline of The Athletic posted the PHWA voting breakdown:
Werenski was a Norris finalist last year too, finishing second to Makar. This time he ran away with 113 first-place votes.
His hero, Nicklas Lidstrom, has seven Norrises. Werenski now shares the trophy with him.
