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Zach Werenski

Zach Werenski is an American professional ice hockey defenseman for the Columbus Blue Jackets of the National Hockey League (NHL).

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Zach Werenski is an American professional ice hockey defenseman for the Columbus Blue Jackets of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was selected eighth overall by Columbus in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft and has spent his entire NHL career with the team. In 2026, he won the James Norris Memorial Trophy as the NHL’s top defenseman.

Early life and amateur career

Werenski grew up in Grosse Pointe, Michigan, and played youth hockey in the Detroit area. He later spent time with USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program before joining the University of Michigan.

NHL career

Columbus selected Werenski eighth overall in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft. He has played his entire NHL career with the Blue Jackets and became one of the franchise’s leading defensemen.

International play

Werenski has played for the United States in international competition, including the IIHF World Championship and the 2026 Winter Olympics. He helped the U.S. win gold at the 2026 Olympics.

Awards and recognition

Werenski won the 2026 James Norris Memorial Trophy and was also named to the NHL First All-Star Team for 2025–26. These honours reflect his status as one of the league’s top defensemen.

Key facts

  • Werenski is a left-shot defenseman for the Columbus Blue Jackets.
  • He was drafted eighth overall by Columbus in 2015.
  • He played college hockey for the University of Michigan.
  • He has represented the United States internationally, including at the 2025 IIHF Men’s World Championship and the 2026 Winter Olympics.
  • He won the Norris Trophy in 2026 as the NHL’s top defenseman.
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Canadian context

He has competed directly against Canadian teams and players at major international events, including the 2026 Winter Olympics, where Team USA defeated Team Canada in the final.

Frequently asked questions

What position does Zach Werenski play?
He plays defense.
Which NHL team does Zach Werenski play for?
He plays for the Columbus Blue Jackets.
When was Zach Werenski drafted?
He was selected eighth overall in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft.
Where did Zach Werenski play college hockey?
He played for the University of Michigan.
Has Zach Werenski won the Norris Trophy?
Yes. He won the James Norris Memorial Trophy in 2026.
Has Zach Werenski played for Team USA?
Yes. He has represented the United States in international competition, including the 2025 IIHF Men’s World Championship and the 2026 Winter Olympics.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zach_Werenski
    Supports: Birth date, full name, NHL team, draft position, and 2026 Norris Trophy.
  2. Team USA — https://www.teamusa.com/profiles/zach-werenski
    Supports: Birthplace, amateur background, University of Michigan career, and international play for the United States.
  3. NHL / Columbus Blue Jackets — https://www.nhl.com/bluejackets/player/zach-werenski-8478460
    Supports: NHL career details, 2025-26 scoring, Norris Trophy, and Olympic gold medal note.
  4. NHL / Columbus Blue Jackets — https://www.nhl.com/bluejackets/news/zach-werenski-nhl-first-all-star-team-2026
    Supports: 2025-26 First All-Star Team selection and season statistics.
  5. Michigan Wolverines — https://mgoblue.com/sports/mens-ice-hockey/roster/zach-werenski/4099
    Supports: University of Michigan roster information and position.