Zachary Kenneth Werenski, born on July 19, 1997, in Grosse Pointe, Michigan, is an American professional ice hockey defenseman and alternate captain for the Columbus Blue Jackets of the National Hockey League (NHL).
Drafted eighth overall by the Blue Jackets in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft, he has established himself as one of the league’s premier offensive defensemen, known for his smooth skating, puck-moving ability, and high hockey IQ.
Werenski shoots left and has spent his entire NHL career with Columbus, becoming a cornerstone of the franchise.
Siblings
Zach has one sibling, an older brother named Brad Werenski, who is two years his senior.
The brothers grew up playing hockey together, with their parents often putting them on the same teams, including local squads like the Bulldogs.
Brad has been a consistent presence in Zach’s life and career, including joining family trips to support him at major events such as the 2026 Olympics.
Career
Werenski’s hockey journey began in Michigan youth programs, where he played in tournaments like the Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament.
He trained with the USA Hockey National Team Development Program (NTDP) in 2013-14, posting strong numbers despite some injury time.
Also Read: Sam Reinhart Siblings: Meet Max and Griffin Reinhart
He then played two standout seasons at the University of Michigan, where as a freshman he recorded 25 points and earned All-Big Ten honors.
In his sophomore year (2015-16), he led Big Ten defensemen in scoring with 36 points (11 goals, 25 assists), won Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, and was named an AHCA First Team All-American.
After signing with the Blue Jackets, Werenski made his NHL debut in the 2016-17 season and quickly made an impact, scoring his first goal in his second game and earning NHL Rookie of the Month honors for November.
He set franchise rookie records for points and finished third in Calder Trophy voting.
Over his career, he has dealt with injuries, including a shoulder issue and a sports hernia, but has remained productive.
He signed a long-term extension in 2021 and emerged as the face of the franchise.
In recent seasons, particularly 2024-25 and 2025-26, Werenski reached new heights, setting Blue Jackets defenseman records for goals, assists, and points while posting back-to-back 20+ goal and 80-point campaigns.
He has played over 640 NHL games, accumulating more than 465 points, and ranks among the franchise’s all-time leaders in assists and points by a defenseman.
Internationally, he has represented the United States at various levels, captaining the World Juniors to bronze in 2016 and contributing to senior gold medals at the 2025 World Championship and 2026 Olympics.
Accolades
At the college level, Werenski earned All-Big Ten Freshman Team, multiple All-Big Ten First Team selections, Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, and AHCA First Team All-American honors.
In the NHL, he has been selected to the All-Star Game twice (2018 and 2022), named to the NHL First All-Star Team in 2025, and finished as a finalist for the Norris Trophy (top defenseman) in consecutive seasons (2025 and 2026).
Internationally, he was named Best Defenseman and to the All-Star Team at the 2016 World Junior Championship, and earned similar honors (Best Defender and All-Star Team) at the 2025 IIHF World Championship.
His contributions helped secure gold for Team USA at the 2026 Olympics.
He also won a Calder Cup with the AHL’s Lake Erie Monsters in 2016.
Email your news TIPS to Editor@Kahawatungu.com — this is our only official communication channel
