🏒 Zach Werenski D

Zach Werenski delivered a career-defining season for the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2024-25, establishing himself as one of the NHL's elite defensemen with a remarkable 82-point campaign (23 goals, 59 assists) across 81 games. His performance this season represents the type of elite two-way play the organization envisioned when selecting him 8th overall in 2015. The 28-year-old blueliner's offensive explosion earned him his first NHL First All-Star Team selection and a second-place finish in Norris Trophy voting.

Werenski's advanced metrics showcase his two-way dominance. His high-danger Corsi numbers were particularly impressive, posting a 53.7% HDCF% with a positive differential of +114 high-danger chances. His Impact Per 60 metrics reveal exceptional balance, generating 4.04 offensive impact and 3.75 defensive impact per 60 minutes of ice time, demonstrating his complete game evolution under head coach Dean Evason's system. The Michigan native logged heavy minutes, averaging 26:45 per game while maintaining exceptional efficiency. His shooting percentage of 7.7% on 298 shots indicates smart shot selection, while his 5 power-play goals and 2 overtime winners highlight his clutch performance in key situations.

Particularly notable was his impact per game, with his highest impact ratings coming against Tampa Bay (4.71 impact per game) and Pittsburgh (3.53 impact per game). Werenski's defensive growth has matched his offensive prowess. His +12 rating and strong possession metrics reflect improved defensive positioning and decision-making. The analytics support this evolution, with his high-danger chances against per 60 (23.7) ranking favorably among top-pairing defensemen. The financial investment in Werenski ($9.58M AAV through 2027-28) has proven prescient, as the defenseman has become the cornerstone of Columbus's blueline.