Zach Werenski becomes the sixth American defenseman to win the Norris Trophy, capping a historic 2025-26 season where he shattered Blue Jackets records and led all NHL blueliners in even-strength production.
Zach Werenski has done what no American defenseman has accomplished since Brian Leetch in the early 1990s: win back-to-back 80-point seasons and claim the NHL’s most prestigious defensive award. The Columbus Blue Jackets’ 28-year-old blueliner was named the winner of the 2025-26 James Norris Memorial Trophy on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, after accumulating 113 first-place votes from the Professional Hockey Writers Association—more than any other finalist. His dominance wasn’t just statistical; it was historic, rewriting franchise records and cementing his place among the game’s elite two-way defenders. But the omission of Washington Capitals’ Jakob Chychrun from the finalists’ conversation raises questions about how the Norris Trophy truly measures greatness in today’s NHL.
Werenski’s 2025-26 campaign wasn’t just another strong year—it was a statistical avalanche that reshaped how we evaluate defensemen. The Blue Jackets’ captain finished with 22 goals and 59 assists for 81 points in 75 games, numbers that placed him second in NHL scoring among blueliners behind only Cale Makar. But the real story lies in his even-strength production: 18 goals and 41 assists (59 points), figures that tied him for the league lead in even-strength goals and ranked second in even-strength points. He led all NHL defensemen in multi-point efforts (26), shots on goal (260), and average ice time per game (26:37), while ranking second in points-per-game (1.08) and fourth in assists.
What makes these numbers even more remarkable is the context. Werenski didn’t just match his 2024-25 point total (82 in 81 games)—he did so while playing fewer games and maintaining elite offensive production. His 18 even-strength goals tied the Blue Jackets franchise record, and his 59 assists matched his own mark from the previous season, making him just the 10th defenseman in NHL history to lead his team in scoring in consecutive campaigns. For a franchise that has struggled with offensive depth, Werenski’s two-way dominance has been the engine of Columbus’ recent success.
The award’s voting process—conducted by the Professional Hockey Writers Association (PHWA)—highlighted Werenski’s universal appeal. He received 113 first-place votes, 48 second-place votes, and 16 third-place votes, totaling 1,589 points in the ballot. Only Cale Makar (1,000+ points) and Rasmus Dahlin (657 points) finished ahead of him in the final standings, with Werenski topping 194 of 198 ballots as a top-five pick. The margin wasn’t just about raw numbers; it was about consistency. While Makar and Dahlin are elite offensive defensemen, Werenski’s combination of offensive firepower, defensive responsibility, and leadership made him the clear choice for the PHWA.
If Werenski’s victory was a coronation, then Jakob Chychrun’s exclusion from the Norris Trophy conversation was a puzzling footnote. The Washington Capitals’ defenseman led all NHL blueliners in goals (26), tied the all-time mark for game-winning goals by a defenseman (8), and scored 60 points—more than four of the 14 blueliners who received votes. Yet, according to RMNB, Chychrun received zero votes from the PHWA, making him the sole post-lockout defenseman with at least 18 even-strength goals to earn no Norris recognition.
This isn’t the first time Chychrun has been snubbed. In 2025, he received just one fifth-place vote despite finishing third in goals among defenders. The pattern suggests a disconnect between the Norris Trophy’s criteria—"the top defensive player who demonstrates the greatest all-around ability"—and the modern NHL’s emphasis on offensive production. Chychrun’s case forces a question: Is the Norris Trophy evolving to reward offensive defensemen, or is it still a true two-way award?
The answer may lie in how the PHWA evaluates "all-around ability." While Chychrun’s goal-scoring is undeniable, his average ice time (23:20 per game) ranked 27th among defenders, and his defensive metrics (like takeaways or shot suppression) weren’t highlighted in the same way as Werenski’s. The omission isn’t just about Chychrun; it’s about whether the award is keeping pace with the league’s shifting priorities.
For the Columbus Blue Jackets, Werenski’s Norris Trophy win is more than a personal achievement—it’s the culmination of a franchise-building project. The 28-year-old has been the cornerstone of Columbus’ offense since his rookie season in 2016-17, and his 2025-26 campaign cemented his status as the franchise’s all-time leader in assists (135) and second in points (465). His 104 even-strength goals lead all NHL defensemen, a testament to his offensive versatility.
But the real legacy may be what comes next. Werenski is entering the fifth season of a six-year, $57.5 million contract (9.583MM AAV), signed in 2021. With his entry-level deal ($925K annually from 2016-2019) and his three-year, $15 million extension in 2019, Columbus has invested heavily in its future. Now, the question is whether the Blue Jackets can build around him—or if Werenski’s dominance will make him a free-agent target after 2027.
His back-to-back 80-point seasons have already placed him in rare company. Werenski is now the fifth U.S.-born defenseman to record multiple 80-point campaigns, joining Phil Housley (1991-92 to 1992-93) and Brian Leetch (1990-91 to 1991-92) as the only players to achieve the feat in consecutive seasons. His sixth American Norris winner title (joining Rod Langway, Chris Chelios, Leetch, Adam Fox, and Quinn Hughes) further solidifies his place in hockey history.
The timing of his award couldn’t be more poignant. Werenski received the trophy just two and a half weeks after welcoming his first child, Hudson, with his wife, Odette.
"That’s what it’s all about. I mean, I wouldn’t be here without them. Obviously, in a sense, it’s an individual award. But without them, without my teammates, without a great support staff and system, I wouldn’t be in this position, and I know that. For them to be here today and enjoy this with me, it means everything.
The quote underscores a truth about elite athletes: success is rarely solitary. Werenski’s journey—from an eighth overall pick in 2015 to a Norris Trophy winner—is a story of longevity, adaptability, and leadership, qualities that transcend statistics.
The 2025-26 Norris Trophy race offers a snapshot of the NHL’s evolving priorities. Werenski’s victory wasn’t just about his numbers—it was about how he dominated in every facet of the game. His even-strength production, defensive responsibility, and leadership made him the ideal candidate for an award that values all-around excellence.
Yet, the Jakob Chychrun snub raises questions about whether the Norris Trophy is still the right metric for evaluating defensemen. In an era where offensive defensemen like Makar and Dahlin are redefining the position, the award’s criteria may need to adapt. Is the Norris still about two-way dominance, or is it now about offensive firepower?
The answer may lie in how the PHWA defines "greatest all-around ability." If the award continues to favor players like Werenski—who excel in both offense and defense—then Chychrun’s exclusion could be a sign of the times. But if the league’s trend toward offensive defensemen continues, we may see future Norris winners who look more like Makar than Werenski.
One thing is clear: Werenski’s win is a validation of the two-way defenseman. In a league where specialization often wins, his ability to score, defend, and lead makes him a rare breed. For now, the Norris Trophy remains his—and the Blue Jackets’—most prized possession.
With his contract running through 2027, Werenski’s future is a topic of growing speculation. The Blue Jackets have invested heavily in their franchise cornerstone, but the question remains: Will Columbus build around him, or will he become a free-agent target?
His $57.5 million contract is already one of the most lucrative in the league for a defenseman, but his two-way impact makes him a high-value asset in any market. If he continues to produce at this level, teams may be willing to match or exceed Columbus’ offer when he hits unrestricted free agency.
For the Blue Jackets, the challenge is clear: Can they surround Werenski with enough offensive firepower to sustain playoff contention? His 81 points in 75 games were a career high, but Columbus’ offense has long been a liability. If the team wants to replicate this level of success, they’ll need to address their scoring deficiencies—or risk watching Werenski become a free-agent priority for a contender.
Meanwhile, the Jakob Chychrun debate isn’t going away. His 26 goals and 60 points in 80 games should have earned him more than zero votes. If the PHWA continues to overlook high-scoring defensemen, the award’s relevance may come into question. For now, Werenski’s win is a celebration of two-way excellence—but the NHL’s shifting landscape suggests this may not be the last time the Norris Trophy sparks controversy.
One thing is certain: Zach Werenski has arrived. His Norris Trophy win isn’t just a personal triumph—it’s a blueprint for how the modern NHL evaluates defensemen. Whether the award keeps pace with the league’s evolution remains to be seen, but for now, the Columbus Blue Jackets have their first Norris winner in franchise history—and a player who has redefined what it means to be a two-way superstar.
The question now is whether the rest of the league will follow his lead—or if the Norris Trophy will need to catch up.
