Zach Werenski

Zachary Kenneth Werenski (born July 19, 1997) is an American professional ice hockey player who is a defenseman and alternate captain for the Columbus Blue Jackets of the National Hockey League (NHL). Drafted eighth overall by Columbus in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft, Werenski has become one of the most accomplished players in franchise history. In 2026, he won the James Norris Memorial Trophy as the NHL's top defenseman.

Following his draft selection, Werenski joined the Lake Erie Monsters and helped lead them to the 2016 Calder Cup championship. He made his NHL debut later that year and was named a finalist for the Calder Memorial Trophy as the league's best rookie in 2017.

Over the following decade, Werenski established himself as one of the league's premier offensive defensemen, earning multiple NHL All-Star selections and becoming the Columbus Blue Jackets' all-time leader in assists, points, and goals among defensemen.