Zach Werenski has made Columbus Blue Jackets history.
The 27-year-old defenseman was named a finalist for the 2025 Norris Trophy, awarded annually to the NHL’s top defenseman. He joins Colorado’s Cale Makar and Vancouver’s Quinn Hughes as one of the final three up for the prestigious honor.
Quinn Hughes, Cale Makar and Zach Werenski are the finalists for the Norris Trophy! #NHLAwards
— NHL (@NHL) April 29, 2025
The James Norris Memorial Trophy is awarded annually "to the defense player who demonstrates throughout the season the greatest all-round ability in the position." pic.twitter.com/GQSaLKugOT
Werenski becomes the first player in franchise history to be named a Norris finalist, a milestone moment for both the player and the organization. In his seventh full NHL season, Werenski posted a career-high – and club record for a defenseman – 82 points (23 goals, 59 assists) while logging nearly 27 minutes on the ice each night.
Makar and Hughes, both previous Norris winners, represent stiff competition. But Werenski’s campaign stands out for him putting a rebuilding a club on his back and nearly pushing the Jackets into a playoff spot.
Whether or not he takes home the trophy, Werenski’s place among the NHL’s elite is now official. For the Blue Jackets, it’s another sign their cornerstone defenseman is exactly that.
