Full Breakdown
Zach Werenski Wins 2026 Norris Trophy
6/3/2026, 8:42:28 AM
Core Event
Zach Werenski, Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman, won the 2026 James Norris Memorial Trophy. He earned 113 first-place votes and 1,589 points, ahead of Colorado’s Cale Makar (47 votes, 1,191 points) and Buffalo’s Rasmus Dahlin (13 votes, 657 points). It is the franchise’s first Norris Trophy and makes Werenski the sixth American winner.
Background & Context
The Norris Trophy, created in 1953-54, honors the league’s top all-round defenseman. Werenski was runner-up in 2024-25, losing to Makar. The 2025-26 PHWA ballot listed fourteen defensemen, with the top three finalists capturing most first-place votes.
Key Figures
The primary figures are Zach Werenski (Columbus, 28, franchise leader in goals, assists and points among defensemen), Cale Makar (Colorado, 27, two-time Norris winner), Rasmus Dahlin (Buffalo, 26, captain with 74 points) and Jakob Chychrun (Washington, league-leading 26 goals but received no votes).
Season Statistics
Werenski posted 22 goals, 59 assists for 81 points in 75 games, ranking second among defensemen in points and tied for first in even-strength goals (18). He led all blueliners in shots (260) and averaged 26:37 ice time per game. Dahlin recorded 19 goals, 55 assists for 74 points; Makar had 20 goals, 59 assists for 79 points.
Impact
The trophy gives the Blue Jackets their first individual league honor and highlights the growing prominence of American defensemen, with Werenski now the sixth U.S. player to win. The award bolsters his Hall of Fame credentials after his role in Team USA’s Olympic gold.
Official Statements & Responses
The NHL defines the Norris as honoring the defenseman who “demonstrates throughout the season the greatest all-round ability in the position.” Werenski thanked his teammates and staff, saying his award reflects effort and the depth of talent on his line.
Criticism & Opposition
Analysts noted that Jakob Chychrun, who led all defensemen with 26 goals, received no votes, suggesting a gap between output and voter perception. Evan Bouchard’s league-leading 95 points also yielded only a fourth-place finish, sparking debate over the weighting of offensive versus defensive contributions.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
All sources agree on Werenski’s 1,589 points and 113 first-place votes; reason Chychrun received zero votes remains unexplained.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I'm at a loss for words, to be honest with you, guys,” — Zach Werenski, Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman (Reuters)
- “But without them, without my teammates, without a great support staff and system, I wouldn’t be in this position, and I know that.” — Zach Werenski, NHL.com interview
- “You could name five, six, seven more 'D' that could easily be deserving of this trophy,” — Zach Werenski, Reuters interview
- “I think we all push each other to be better.” — Zach Werenski, Reuters interview
What’s Next
Werenski will start the 2026-27 season as Columbus’s top blueliner and a potential captain, while the club hopes his play helps secure a deeper playoff run.
