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Blue Jackets select Zach Werenski with 8th pick in NHL Draft

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The Columbus Blue Jackets selected Michigan defenseman Zach Werenski with the eighth overall pick in the 2015 NHL Draft.

With the defection of free agent defenseman Mike Reilly to the Minnesota Wild, the Blue Jackets had a clear need at this position, and filled it admirably with the addition of Werenski.

2014-15 Stats

Team GP Goals Assists Points PIM
Michigan 35 9 16 25 8

Overview

He might end up being the youngest lottery selection on draft night, but there likely isn't a head fashioned more secure to a pair of shoulders.

Werenski led Michigan in scoring from the back end and emerged as the team's best defenseman in a freshman season played entirely at age 17. His physical maturity is obvious in both his game and brick-solid 6-foot-2, 214-pound frame, while his mental makeup allowed him to fast track high school to springboard into the NHL from the Division 1 ranks.

Related: Zach Werenski living Michigan hockey dream in fast-forward

Though he's filled out, Werenski is not particularly imposing on the ice. He's a powerful, adept skater with a good first pass and strong enough offensive skills to run a power play, but is still learning the position in his own zone.

What the scouts are saying

TSN's Craig Button has long considered Werenski's skill set as on par with his former defense partner with Team USA, Noah Hanifin.

What Werenski is doing at Michigan is every bit as good as what Hanifin is doing at BC.

He's not necessarily a scout, but legendary Michigan coach Red Berenson offered lofty praise for his high-profile recruit:

He's a special player, We've had a lot of really good defensemen but no one that I think he compares to. He does a lot of things well, and has a unique style all his own.

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