Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski was named the Norris Trophy winner on Tuesday for the first time in his career.
Werenski edged Colorado Avalanche star Cale Makar as well as Buffalo Sabres captain Rasmus Dahlin for the honor. The award is presented to the defenseman "who demonstrates throughout the season the greatest all-round ability in the position," as selected by the Professional Hockey Writers Association.
Werenski received 113 first-place votes and finished with 1,589 points. Makar,
who won the award last year, was second with 47 first-place votes and 1,191 points, while Dahlin was third with 13 first-place votes and 657 points.
Werenski was informed that he won the Norris Trophy on Sunday, although he was under the impression that a camera crew from NHL Productions and a writer from NHL.com had stopped by his home to do a Father's Day feature. Werenski became a first-time dad when his wife, Odette, delivered a son named Hudson 2 1/2 weeks ago.
"I'm at a loss for words, to be honest with you, guys," Werenski said. "It's incredible."
After his initial shock subsided, Werenski was quick to note the stiff competition for the award.
"You could name five, six, seven more 'D' that could easily be deserving of this trophy," he said. "It's a great time for defensemen in the NHL and in hockey, and I'm just grateful to be a part of it. I think we all push each other to be better. I know last year when I didn't win, I was excited for this year. I was excited to be better and push myself, and I feel like we all do that."
Werenski, 28, recorded 81 points (22 goals, 59 assists) in 75 games this season, his 10th since being acquired by Columbus with the eighth overall pick in the 2015 NHL Draft. He is the Blue Jackets' all-time leader in assists (330), while his 135 goals and 465 points are tops among all defensemen in franchise history.
Werenski assisted on the golden goal for the United States at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan on Feb. 22.
Makar, 27, was named a Norris Trophy finalist for the sixth consecutive season.
A two-time winner of the award (2021-22, 2024-25), Makar totaled 79 points (20 goals, 59 assists) and a plus-32 rating in 75 games this season.
Dahlin, 26, recorded a career-high 74 points (19 goals, 55 assists) and a plus-18 rating in 77 games this season. He was a first-time finalist and would've been the first member of the Sabres to win the award.
--Field Level Media
