Werenski in select group with 40 points

BUFFALO, N.Y. — There are many ways to quantify the success of Zach Werenski’s rookie season with the Blue Jackets.

Having his name on a list that includes five Hockey Hall of Fame defensemen is among the more impressive.

On Friday night, Werenski became just the 10th teenage defenseman in the NHL to reach 40 points in his rookie season. The 19-year-old finds himself in distinguished company that includes Larry Murphy (76 points), Phil Housley (66), Ray Bourque (65), Bobby Orr (41) and Scott Niedermayer (40) — all of whom are in the hall of fame.

“That’s quite a list and he’s not done yet,” defensive partner Seth Jones said of Werenski. “You think about it, it’s only his first year and he’s only going to get better. I look forward to playing with him for a long time.”

Werenski entered a game Saturday night against the Buffalo Sabres with 40 points, and 16 games remaining in the regular season. He’s not going to catch Murphy, who established the mark with the Los Angeles Kings in the 1980-81 season, but Werenski could crack the top five. Bryan Berard and Tyler Myers are tied for fourth at 48 points.

Werenski, who holds franchise records for rookie assists (31) and rookie points (40), said he became aware of the list Friday. He’s more focused on helping the Blue Jackets catch the Washington Capitals and win the Presidents’ Trophy.

“It’s pretty crazy to think where we are as a team and what I have done individually,” Werenski said. “Obviously, what I am doing comes within the team’s success. It’s really been an unbelievable year for a lot of guys.”

Coach John Tortorella almost has exhaustive superlatives in describing Werenski’s impact on the game and the team at a tender age.

“He’s had a lot of different ways people have played against him,” Tortorella said. “Teams have tried to be physical with him. He’s handled being banged up and still playing. Forget about his physical skills and his raw ability. His mental aptitude and his mental toughness are really at a high level for a 19-year-old at that position.

“This coaching staff probably won’t reap all the benefits of him, but he has one heck of a future ahead of him. … And he has such a good head on his shoulders, I think he’ll just keep going about his business as good things come his way.” Murray injured

Ryan Murray’s return to the lineup lasted two shifts. The defenseman, who missed two games because of a lower body injury, was struck in the hand with a first-period shot from Buffalo's Tyler Ennis.

Tortorella played Murray in favor of Kyle Quincey, who took warmups but was scratched. It was less than an ideal situation playing nearly an entire game with five defensemen on the second half of back to backs.