WERENSKI, 19, MAKING MARK
Blue Jackets defenseman proves he belongs
In the early portion of the season, the Calder Trophy race has centered on a 19-year-old American who is dramatically altering his team’s outlook with his impressive play.
The only confusion is that this is happening with both the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Columbus Blue Jackets.
While Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews, 19, has received most of the attention, Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski, 19, has had a similar wow factor to his NHL start.
“I think (Werenski) is one of those guys who plays the same way no matter what level he is at,” Columbus general manager Jarmo Kekalainen said. “For him, it’s more about mental strength than physical skill. You can see his skating and physical strength, but really he just goes out and plays.”
After four games, Werenski has established himself as a top-pairing defenseman, averaging 21:33 minutes per game. He leads his team with five points.
“On the power play, in particular, he has really taken over,” Kekalainen said. “He has added to our power play an element that was missing.”
Werenski, drafted eighth over- all in 2015, signed with the Blue Jackets last summer after spending two years at the University of Michigan. He stepped immediately into the American Hockey League and played a critical role in helping the Lake Erie (Cleveland) Monsters win the league championship. He had five goals and 14 points in 17 playoff games.
It is considered more difficult to play defense than forward for a younger player, yet Werenski has played more minutes than everyone on the Blue Jackets except defense partner Seth Jones.
“The way he came into Cleveland last year, it was like, ‘Whoa,’ and then he has picked up where he left off,” Kekalainen said. “We had high expectations for him coming into the season.”
Werenski said playing in the AHL made him more comfortable with the pro game.
“I just felt like I had to do what I do to help the team win,” Werenski said. “If you do that, there is no pressure on you. It’s all about the team. If you get wins, you get individual success.”
The transition to the NHL was made easier by the fact that the drive to Columbus from his home in Michigan is just over three hours. He’s had relatives and friends at his first home games.
Of course, Werenski has taken ribbing from Ohio State fans about his allegiance to Michigan.
“People say they are going to switch me over to become an Ohio State fan. Obviously, that’s a no,” he said. “But it has all been good fun.”
Other rookies making a splash in the early going: Toronto Maple Leafs forward William Nylander: With seven points, he has only one fewer than Matthews. He’s averaging nearly four shots per game. Winnipeg Jets forward
Patrik Laine: Some scouts thought he might have an impact similar to that of Matthews. He already has recorded a hat trick. Philadelphia Flyers forward Travis Konecny: With five points in five games, he has proved he belongs at this level. Florida Panthers defenseman Michael Matheson: He is +5 with two goals. His potential is why Florida was comfortable trading Dmitry Kulikov and Erik Gudbranson. New York Rangers forward Jimmy Vesey: Scouts said he was ready to step in and score at the NHL level. He has three goals in six games. Arizona Coyotes defense-
man Jakob Chychrun: The 18year-old was the 16th pick in the June draft and has stepped immediately into the lineup, averaging 16:17 of ice time per game. Carolina Hurricanes forward Sebastian Aho: He’s shown that he can be a slick playmaker at the NHL level.