Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski won this year’s Norris Trophy, the NHL announced Tuesday. The annual award is given to the league’s best defenseman as voted on by the Professional Hockey Writers Association.
Werenski earned 113 first-place votes, beating finalists Cale Makar of the Colorado Avalanche and Rasmus Dahlin of the Buffalo Sabres. This is Werenski’s first Norris Trophy. Last season, he finished second behind Makar.
Werenski, 28, scored 22 goals and earned 81 points in 75 games during the 2025-26 season, leading Columbus in scoring for the second consecutive year. He finished the season tied for the third-most goals among defensemen and tied for first in even-strength goals. His 81 points ranked second among rearguards, trailing only Edmonton Oilers defenseman Evan Bouchard.
Werenski’s average time on ice (26:37) ranked second in the league, behind Minnesota Wild defenseman Quinn Hughes. Werenski also tied the Blue Jackets’ single-season assist record (59), set by himself last season and former Blue Jacket Artemi Panarin in 2018-19.
Zach Werenski thought this was just a regular family BBQ, but he was in for quite a surprise! 🎉
His whole family was on hand to celebrate the first James Norris Memorial Trophy of his career! #NHLAwards pic.twitter.com/Rqr8iUP4Tp
— NHL (@NHL) June 2, 2026
Werenski, a Michigan native, was surprised with the trophy at home with his family and said it was “special” to be among the group of elite defenders who’ve previously won the award.
“All players I grew up watching, I grew up idolizing and wanting to be like,” Werenski said. “To be up there with them, it’s special — more special feeling than I thought it was going to be. I just feel honored. I feel blessed.
“I feel grateful to have the family I have, the support staff I have. And I just want to enjoy it with them because they’re a huge part of this.”
Werenski is the sixth American defenseman to win the Norris Trophy, joining Rod Langway, Chris Chelios, Brian Leetch, Adam Fox and Hughes. Werenski is also the first Blue Jacket to win the trophy after becoming the franchise’s first-ever finalist last season.
Sean Monahan was the last Blue Jackets player to win a major award, earning the 2024-25 Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy for perseverance, dedication and sportsmanship.
