A deep dive into why Zach Werenski deserves the Norris Trophy highlights his standout season with the Columbus Blue Jackets. This week’s collection of notes and insights centers on the defenseman’s award-worthy performance.
At least seven NHL defensemen had seasons strong enough to win the Norris Trophy this year, underscoring how much the position has evolved over the last five seasons. The league narrowed the field to three finalists: Rasmus Dahlin of Buffalo, Cale Makar of Colorado, and Columbus’s Zach Werenski. For many voters, this was the toughest ballot decision of the postseason.
The blue line across the league has seen an offensive explosion, reflecting a broader shift in the game that seems here to stay. In the 11 seasons from 2010-11 to 2020-21, only five defensemen managed a point-per-game campaign, with each achieved by a different player. But in the past five years, eight different blueliners have done it 17 times. This season alone, four defensemen hit that mark: Evan Bouchard (1.16 points per game), Quinn Hughes (1.03), Makar (1.05), and Werenski (1.08).
A few years ago, Norris voters primarily debated how much weight to give offensive production versus defensive play. Now, with so many candidates, it’s easy to overlook aspects like matching up against top opponents, killing penalties, or playing crucial late-game minutes. The award’s definition—honoring the defenseman who demonstrates the greatest all-around ability throughout the season—leaves room for evaluating offensive contributions, puck possession, and game control.
When looking at how consistently Werenski performs on both ends of the ice, it feels like this could be his year to claim his first major trophy. Here are three key arguments in his favor:
1. **The Numbers**
Evan Bouchard posted 21 goals and 74 assists for 95 points in 82 games with the Oilers, but his defensive lapses—especially under the spotlight in Canada—hurt his case. Quinn Hughes had a remarkable season with Vancouver and later Minnesota, leading the league in ice time, yet he rarely killed penalties, spending just over eight minutes shorthanded all season.
Now that the finalists are set, the comparison comes down to Werenski, Dahlin, and Makar. Without diving into advanced stats, the basic numbers tell the story: among defensemen, Werenski ranked in the top four for ice time (26:37, second), goals (22, third), assists (59, fourth), points (81, second), points per game (1.08, second), even-strength goals (18, first), even-strength points (59, second), and shots on goal (260, first). Dahlin and Makar also put up brilliant numbers but trail Werenski in each of those categories.
Moreover, Werenski took the ice on the fly for 50.8 percent of his shifts. During stoppages, 32.3 percent of his starts came in the neutral or defensive zone, compared to just 16.9 percent in the offensive zone. That shows he wasn’t given easy offensive opportunities. Despite playing nearly half the game and going head-to-head with opponents’ top lines, he was penalized only 18 minutes while drawing 22 penalties.
2. **Defensive Reliability**
Werenski’s defensive game has matured significantly. He handles top assignments, kills penalties regularly, and makes smart decisions under pressure. Unlike some offensive-minded blueliners, his play in his own end doesn’t get overlooked. He consistently breaks up plays, clears the crease, and transitions the puck effectively. This balance between offense and defense is exactly what the Norris Trophy should recognize.
3. **Impact on the Team**
The Blue Jackets relied heavily on Werenski all season. With Columbus in a competitive Central Division, his contributions were vital. He logged heavy minutes, contributed in all situations, and remained durable throughout the campaign. His leadership on and off the ice helped stabilize a young roster, making his case even stronger.